On Teacher’s Day, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya congratulates Belarusian teachers on their professional holiday and thanks them for their work:
“Dear teachers,
Let me say simple but very important words — thank you!
Every day, you help our children discover the world. Being a teacher is much more than a profession. A teacher can help a child believe in themselves, not be afraid to make mistakes, ask questions, find their own path, form their own opinions, and respect the views of others.
I know that being a teacher in Belarus today is not easy. Alongside the enormous responsibility and daily work, there is pressure, restrictions, and demands that have nothing to do with education. This makes it all the more valuable that you continue to do what matters most — teach children.
I would especially like to thank teachers of Belarusian language and literature and history. You help children discover and love what is theirs — their language, culture, and heritage. Even when the regime attempts to erase and rewrite all of this. Thank you for continuing to pass on to children what must not be lost.
Teachers’ work is not only about lessons and school knowledge. It is about what a child takes from school into life: whether they will believe in themselves, be able to think independently, notice others, and not be afraid to be themselves.
A country’s future begins with its children. Today, you help them grow, and tomorrow, they will build the Belarus we all live in.
Happy Teacher’s Day!”
