Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Education and Science, Tatiana Shchyttsova, participated in the LRT show “Kholodny Borshch”, highlighting pressing issues in the education sector in Belarus.
- On the state of education in Belarus
“Academic freedom in Belarus continues to deteriorate. The country has dropped from 175th to 176th place out of 179 countries in the corresponding ranking. Low funding for education and science affects Belarus’ position in global innovation indexes. Social and humanities sciences have suffered near-total degradation as they have become hostages to ideology and propaganda”.
- On the compulsory job placement of graduates
“The practice of mandatory job placement for graduates persists. This is characteristic of totalitarian regimes, where coercion and discipline are key tools in education. This measure is also justified by economic problems, with some sectors, especially in the regions, facing an acute shortage of workers”.
- On teachers in Belarus
“Teachers in Belarus deserve particular gratitude. Both schools and universities still have people for whom teaching is not just a job but a life mission. They still strive to provide children with quality education despite all the challenges”.
- On difficulties enrolling in European universities
“The regime is making efforts to restrict Belarusians’ opportunities to enroll in European universities. This raises serious concerns as education cannot thrive in isolation”.
- On the education initiatives of Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Office
“A team, led by Marharyta [Vorykhava], the Representative of the [United Transitional Cabinet] on Youth, is working on creating a new web portal. It will compile up-to-date information on educational opportunities, including not only bachelor’s and master’s programs but also other forms of education in Europe”.
