Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Many schools and gymnasiums in Belarus are named after outstanding individuals – such as the enlightener Francysk Skaryna, writers Ivan Melezh and Tsishka Hartny, artist Ivan Akhremchik, and scientists Zhores Alferov and Vasil Kuprevich. However, a few days ago, I heard that a school in Minsk was named after Uladzimir Artsiomau, a former riot police chief.
Renaming a school is not just a formality. It is an attempt to impose false heroes on children. The security forces have become the new elite of Belarus and enjoy entitlement. But schools are no place for violence and aggression. Schools must be a comfortable and safe environment, a platform for personal growth.
No matter how much the regime tries to use schools for its purposes, children are capable of critical thinking and having their own opinions. They need to be encouraged by caring teachers and families.
Dear parents, the regime’s propaganda will never get your children as long as you are their primary source of information. Your words, attention, care, and talks are the most powerful shield that will protect children from manipulation and lies”.
