Today, May 31, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited the Francysk Skaryna (Pranciškaus Skorinos) Gymnasium in Vilnius, where she took part in this year’s last bell ceremony.
The gymnasium is the only one in Lithuania where Belarusians can study in their native language. Hundreds of children who had to move to the country after 2020 have had the opportunity to continue their education there. The gymnasium also helps 408 children learn the Lithuanian language and integrate into society.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya addressed the 29th graduating class of gymnasium students, their parents, teachers, and representatives of the Lithuanian state:
“Dear friends,
Labas ritas, mieli lietuviai draugai!
First, let me, as a guest should, greet the esteemed hostess of this warm and bright home – Ms. Dziyana Stakhnovich, as well as you, dear students and teachers, and esteemed representatives of the Lithuanian state!
It is a great honor for me to greet you within the walls of a truly great institution, which has nurtured the elite not only of Belarus but also of other nations.
Because Belarus has long been an oppressed country, graduates of the gymnasium could not realize their potential in their homeland, and thus brought honor to other nations.
And this is actually great when people serve the entire world’s family of nations while preserving their identity, honoring their roots, and being proud children of their Homeland.
And today I would like to address you, dear graduates.
No matter where life takes you, no matter how life turns out – remember your country, do not lose connection with Belarus, preserve our language, and cherish our culture.
Today, yet again in its history, Belarus is oppressed. But it will not always be this way. The history of our people is proof. Even in the most difficult situations, after unsuccessful attempts, we did not give up but sought new ways to achieve our goals.
And I believe, dear graduates, that your knowledge, your experience and connections, energy, and creativity will help us reclaim and revive our Belarus.
I want to thank the teachers and the administration of the gymnasium for your work and patience. For preserving traditions. And I am especially happy to see the esteemed Halina Sivalava – the first principal of the school. It is a great honor for me to meet you!
Today, more than ever, the Francysk Skaryna Gymnasium in Vilnius is important for strengthening Belarusian-Lithuanian friendship.
Hundreds of children who had to move to Lithuania after 2020 have had the opportunity to continue their education here, learn the Lithuanian language, history, and integrate into Lithuanian society.
And this would not be possible without the support of the Lithuanian state, which has welcomed tens of thousands of Belarusians and also supports the work of this gymnasium in Vilnius. Ačiū!
And I am confident that with your support, the support of Lithuania, the gymnasium will continue to develop, expand, and accept more children of various ages.
Supporting the gymnasium is not charity – it is an investment in a free Belarus and friendly relations between our peoples. I have no doubt that the children of this alma mater will bring great service to humanity.
Dear graduates!
Once again, I congratulate you on completing your studies. A new stage in your life is beginning.
I wish you a long, fruitful life like Barys Kit (who lived almost 108 years), the creativity and imagination of Yazep Drazdovich, and the loyalty and nobility of Branislau Tarashkevich.
Do not fear challenges. Set high standards for yourselves. Be brave. Try new things and honor your roots!
Long Live Belarus!”
