GOMEL, 12 July (BelTA) – Work with young people is a priority for the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry. It is important to promote international ties at the level of the country and individual agencies as part of the work with young people. Belarusian Emergencies Minister Vladimir Vashchenko made the statement during the ceremony held on 12 July to open the 16th international convention of young rescue workers and firefighters in Gomel District, BelTA has learned.
According to Vladimir Vashchenko, the opportunity for children from different countries to talk to each other in person and the opportunity to share the best safety practices are crucial to successful international cooperation in the future.
Vladimir Vashchenko personally greeted every team as participants of the convention formed ranks on parade grounds of the specialized lyceum of the Civil Protection University of the Belarusian Emergencies Ministry. This year's convention has gathered young firefighters from 13 countries. Girls and guys from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine had to go through the selection process in their own countries before coming to Belarus.
After a break of many years the German team came to Belarus. It is the fourth time the Italian team has come to Belarus to participate in the convention. They say they had been looking forward to visiting Belarus again. Poland is represented by girls. They intend to demonstrate their training levels and the willingness to win. Russia is represented by guys from Saint Petersburg and Nyagan.
Participants of the convention have been made familiar with the history and traditions of Gomel Oblast in the Year of Native Land in Belarus.
Participants of the convention will demonstrate their own talents tomorrow. Seven contests will be arranged as well as master classes on health and safety fundamentals. Every team will have to present itself, go through a fire relay race, and publish a newspaper or a billboard. Competitions in first aid, tourist training will be held as well as a sport competition and a joint field exercise. The guys and girls are in for sightseeing tours, dance parties, and friendly gatherings around campfires.
Young Belarusian firefighters also participate in such events abroad. The Belarusian team returned from Azerbaijan recently. The Belarusian team has also been to Latvia, Ukraine, USA, Russia, and Ukraine. “Such visits represent an excellent opportunity to demonstrate one's skills, knowledge, and training levels and, of course, represent our beautiful country,” stressed Belarusian Emergencies Minister Vladimir Vashchenko.
