Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya:
“Dear Belarusians!
Today is a wonderful occasion to remember the teachers who taught us to think critically, empathize with other people, and take responsibility for our actions.
Unfortunately, today teachers have to debate every word in their minds before saying it. Even quoting a Belarusian classic, who has suddenly been labeled ‘extremist’, can land one in prison. Ideology and politics have filled the schools, and this pressure suffocates free expression and creativity. Teachers are told to remove ‘unwanted’ pictures from foreign language classrooms. The KGB persecutes them for participating in support chats. Teachers are required to report what they do during gaps in their schedules. All of this happens while some teachers get dismissed for complaining about low salaries and the need to take on extra hours just to feed their families.
As a result, experienced professionals are leaving schools, young teachers see no future in the profession, and those who do not quit have to teach several subjects at once.
But I admire you because, despite everything, you continue to educate children. You support them and keep teaching them about what’s good and what’s not. You explain that apologizing when you make a mistake is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that helping those in need is a matter of humanity, not heroism. You teach them not just to ‘answer according to the textbook’ but to think independently, make decisions, and defend their views. You guide them to avoid mistakes. And when mistakes do happen, you explain that it’s also an experience – and that it’s always fine to ask for help.
I know how difficult it can be with children sometimes. But I am proud that you still listen to and understand them to make sure that every Belarusian boy and girl knows that each of them is an individual.
Thank you, and happy Teacher’s Day!”
