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"After the Fact: Lukashenko’s Decisions"
In 2022, Belarus began to work on a school uniform policy. Schools opted for their own style and colors. Some mandatory elements were introduced. For example, a tie or a vest. Bellegprom Concern has ramped up the production of certain attributes. The president's requirement for school uniforms was variety and accessibility. In this episode of BelTA’s YouTube project “After the Fact: Lukashenko’s Decisions” we will tell you what colors Belarusian schoolchildren opt for. How did the coronavirus pandemic affect clothing design? What tactics do factories use to make trousers and dresses last longer?
Gymnasiums and boarding schools in tsarist Russia had uniforms. Each new ruler changed the school dress code. The USSR abolished standardized dresses and suits. They returned to the idea of the standardized set in 1949. It was introduced gradually. They did not start with secondary schools but with vocational schools. However, everyone remembers blue suits for boys and brown dresses with an apron for girls. The uniform was quite strict and conservative. It emphasized the affiliation with the Soviet education system.
The uniform can be of four colors: blue, black, dark-red and gray. Monitoring showed that the first two are the most popular among schoolchildren.
When did Belarus mandate school uniform?
Gymnasiums and boarding schools in tsarist Russia had uniforms. Each new ruler changed the school dress code. The USSR abolished standardized dresses and suits. They returned to the idea of the standardized set in 1949. It was introduced gradually. They did not start with secondary schools but with vocational schools. However, everyone remembers blue suits for boys and brown dresses with an apron for girls. The uniform was quite strict and conservative. It emphasized the affiliation with the Soviet education system.
In the 1990s, the uniform was canceled. You could see students wearing stonewashed jeans, flared trousers, tack jackets of all stripes. Belarus started discussing the introduction of business-style school outfit. In 2005, the Education Ministry, the Trade Ministry and the Healthcare Ministry adopted a joint resolution. Parents were encouraged to buy business-style school outfits for their children. Gradually the country came to the decision to introduce mandatory school uniforms. This year, this requirement has been legislated in a new wording of the Education Code.
“General secondary education institutions have mandated school uniforms for boys and girls. Uniform essentials for boys include: a jacket, a shirt, a turtleneck. For girls: a dress, a skirt, a pinafore, and a blouse. In winter, a knitted sweater is allowed,” said Irina Bulavkina, a consultant with the General Secondary Education Department, Education Ministry of the Republic of Belarus.
“General secondary education institutions have mandated school uniforms for boys and girls. Uniform essentials for boys include: a jacket, a shirt, a turtleneck. For girls: a dress, a skirt, a pinafore, and a blouse. In winter, a knitted sweater is allowed,” said Irina Bulavkina, a consultant with the General Secondary Education Department, Education Ministry of the Republic of Belarus.
Lukashenko’s opinion on school uniform polices
The uniform can be of four colors: blue, black, dark-red and gray. Monitoring showed that the first two are the most popular among schoolchildren.
“A business-style school uniform creates a more professional atmosphere conducive to learning. It cultivates corporate ethics. It does not distract from the educational process. School policies do not allow for loud make-up, multi-colored hair. Everything should be within the bounds of decency,” Irina Bulavkina noted.
Professional attire creates an image of competence, reliability, and responsibility. You think school does not need it? People still judge you by appearances! It is important for children to be treated with respect by their peers.
Professional attire creates an image of competence, reliability, and responsibility. You think school does not need it? People still judge you by appearances! It is important for children to be treated with respect by their peers.
“Children are going back to school. Thus, my main demand is that children should look the same, and be dressed well (I’m not saying that they should be dressed the same, but they should be dressed nicely). The cost of outfits may vary. We will not force the rich to dress their children simply. If they want more expensive outfits (maybe they will have suits or some shirts and ties made of imported fabrics), that is their right. But all children should be decently dressed, and come to school with solid school bags. And so on,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said in August 2019 as he was receiving a report by the then Education Minister Igor Karpenko. “Therefore, in the coming days, we must pay special attention to those who, due to certain circumstances, cannot pay enough attention to their children. This is what I ask of you as a human being,” the president added.
How much does it cost to buy school uniform?
Getting a child ready for school can be time-consuming and costly. That is why factories sew outfits for any budget. The income disparity should not affect the way children are dressed for school.
“We offer trousers for Br39, a vest for Br12-13. That is, around Br50 for a child to be dressed for school. I think any parent can afford it. If you want to have a set with a jacket, a couple of shirts, two pairs of trousers, you will need to pay a little more money. A girl needs a broader choice of clothing. We understand this,” Slavyanka Director Teimuraz Bochorishvili said.
In Belarus, large families are entitled to a one-time financial bonus by 1 September. It amounts to 30% of the subsistence minimum budget per each schoolchild. Low-income families can receive a government allowance. Its amount is determined by special commissions in each district. The new line-up of school uniforms went on sale on 15 July. Prices are about the same as last year. According to experts, four items of uniform can be bought for up to Br300. This includes a skirt, a vest, a blouse and a pair of trousers for a primary school student.
How much does it cost to buy school uniform?
Getting a child ready for school can be time-consuming and costly. That is why factories sew outfits for any budget. The income disparity should not affect the way children are dressed for school.
“We offer trousers for Br39, a vest for Br12-13. That is, around Br50 for a child to be dressed for school. I think any parent can afford it. If you want to have a set with a jacket, a couple of shirts, two pairs of trousers, you will need to pay a little more money. A girl needs a broader choice of clothing. We understand this,” Slavyanka Director Teimuraz Bochorishvili said.
In Belarus, large families are entitled to a one-time financial bonus by 1 September. It amounts to 30% of the subsistence minimum budget per each schoolchild. Low-income families can receive a government allowance. Its amount is determined by special commissions in each district. The new line-up of school uniforms went on sale on 15 July. Prices are about the same as last year. According to experts, four items of uniform can be bought for up to Br300. This includes a skirt, a vest, a blouse and a pair of trousers for a primary school student.
“Our principle is the following: a uniform for every child. Children are going to school. This is a very important event for them. They should look like their peers. They should not feel inferior to them. Wearing a suit to school is about good manners. Such a tradition was laid down back in Soviet times. But now we have all become reluctant to wear clothes that would restrict movement. Everyone wants to feel comfortable in their clothing. We take this into account, too,” Teimuraz Bochorishvili said.
Elasticated trousers, flare skirts, and loose-fitting shirts are popular. For example, the Bobruisk factory does everything to ensure that favorite things last as long as possible.
Elasticated trousers, flare skirts, and loose-fitting shirts are popular. For example, the Bobruisk factory does everything to ensure that favorite things last as long as possible.
“Children are usually always on the move, so we additionally glue the lining, the cuts, so that they will not fall out. On trousers, for example, we always make a double stitch along the middle seam. Using certain technologies is simply a must for making a school uniform,” remarked Nina Makarchenko, senior forewoman of the 5th workshop at Slavyanka.
What materials are used to make school uniforms?
The light industry will produce about a million items by the new academic year. The offer will increase by 20% taking into account unsold items from previous collections. The busy season in the sewing shops began in the spring.
“In May, June, early July we know exactly what to sew. We sew a lot of types of items: trousers, skirts, pinafores, dresses,” Nina Makarchenko stressed.
And the work on a new collection begins as soon as the academic year is over. Why is it necessary to start so early?
“There are a lot of different models, types of fabrics. And today we must take into account not only fashion trends, but also children’s physique. They grow unevenly today. We must take all this into account. The number of tailor-made orders is increasing,” Teimuraz Bochorishvili noted.
Priority is given to natural fibers: viscose and wool blend. Synthetic materials are barely used. The fabrics meet all sanitation and hygiene standards: breathability, moisture absorption, and color fastness. Any missing materials are imported from China. The factories work in cooperation with Bellegprom and the Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade Ministry to plan production, analyzing last year's sales. Belarusian companies are always prepared to produce quickly and sew additional pieces, if necessary. Not everything can be predicted with certainty.
Why did the issue of school uniforms arise last year?
Last year, a pilot project was launched in Minsk, involving eight gymnasiums and twelve secondary schools. Students from these institutions attended classes wearing standardized business-style clothing. Manufacturers developed a capsule collection, which included uniform fabrics, color schemes, fittings, and designs. Sales began at the First National Trading House. The collection generated such high demand that queues formed. Parents’ frustration spilled over into social media. Even those who weren’t required to purchase the uniform expressed concern.
“There is yet another topic to discuss today. An issue of school uniforms has emerged out of nowhere. I do not see a big problem, but it needs to be addressed. It seems to be a little thing, but there are no little things in our work,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said during the Nationwide Conference on Teaching in August 2024.
The retail space and the number of fitting rooms were expanded, and more staff were brought on board. These measures resolved the issue, and the project will continue this year.
As a rule, school uniforms are chosen by the educational institution's council, which includes teachers and parents. Student opinions are also considered. Each school or gymnasium determines what specific features will be included in the uniform, for example, a vest or blazer. Patches, emblems, and badges may also be added.
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