Today’s education system in Belarus needs changes and numerous reforms. But Lukashenka today yet again denied this. He asked, why look for something new when they can use Soviet achievements? The regime emphasized once again that the personal development of young Belarusians is not its concern. It only needs the universities to prepare personnel suitable for the system – who would not show initiative, have an opinion, or possess a broad outlook. “The authorities disdain students who receive education abroad, insisting: there is no need to change what is outdated. However, such an approach clearly stifles the intellectual growth of Belarusian youth”, insists Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava.
She highlights the shortsightedness of Lukashenka’s attitude towards young Belarusians: “We are blamed for aspiring to receive education abroad. But Belarusian education has long been outdated. It prepares servants for the regime, not professionals. Belarusian universities do not prioritize knowledge – they prioritize conformity.
A healthy state should invest in universities, create an environment that attracts talent, and encourages development. Lukashenka’s resistance to this deprives Belarusians of opportunities for personal and professional growth”.
