Karina Murashko, a ninth-grader from Gomel District, was very excited to learn that her letter was delivered to the president, and even more, there was a response. Today Karina together with her parents was invited to the Gomel Oblast Executive Committee. The governor personally handed her a present from the president. BelTA found out the details of the story.
The girl lives in the suburb of Gomel. She goes to Golovintsy secondary school and does well at school. Karina is also active in public life, she is a member of the young peacemakers team and the BRSM Youth Union. She follows the developments in the country and especially the activities of the head of state. She was very impressed by the electoral campaign in January of this year and was confident about the victory of the incumbent president. Then she decided to address him personally, to offer her sincere congratulations, to express her respect and to ask for something.
In her letter to the head of state Karina said she has a small wish. She asked for the seeds of watermelons grown in the president's garden. Karina, a teenage girl with a big heart, wrote the letter by hand and was driven by the desire to do a good deed. As the girl wrote in the letter, she wants to grow watermelons and share the harvest with the Ulukovie special needs residential school and other institutions.
"Since childhood, my parents have been teaching me respect for the traditions, culture and history of our country. Usually after work we get together to watch news, because we want to know what is happening in the country. I am always curious about working days of our president. In one of news stories, I saw Aleksandr Grigorievich and his son handing over watermelons harvested on his plot to orphans. I was inspired by this," the schoolgirl recalled.
"One February evening, Karina came to me and my wife and asked us to tell her the address of the Belarus President Administration. She said she had written a letter. It was so sincere and genuine, so we decided to support her decision. We knew that there would be a response, we thought that perhaps they would send a parcel. We did not expect such attention! We really appreciate it," said Dmitry Murashko, the girl's father.
On Friday, 28 March, the head of state's press secretary Natalya Eismont handed over the seeds to governor Ivan Krupko. The governor, as promised, not only brought the seeds to the girl, but also arranged that she would get the necessary assistance from specialists with implementing her idea.
"Of course, I was shocked. I couldn't even believe it!" - in less than a day, a minute-long video where tearful Karina is watching the video in which governor Ivan Krupko is receiving the seeds of the presidential watermelons, racked up thousands of views. The girl is still overwhelmed with emotions.
Over a cup of tea, Ivan Krupko handed the seeds over to Karina, had a talk with the girl, presented her with a book about the president's life path and also chocolate.
The governor emphasized that the president always supports young people, and the state creates the necessary conditions for young people to develop and express themselves, to realize their ideas and projects. “In your district you are one of the examples of purposeful, active and talented young people. Your letter has left a good impression. Your request must have surprised your classmates and residents of the district. You have proved your can-do attitude. Your idea and aspiration are worth a lot. You have chosen a difficult path. You will have to master the cultivation technology now. I think that you will be able to grow a harvest with the help of your parents and also specialists. It is possible to get professional advice online at any time,” he emphasized.
“I am simply beyond happy. I am shaking with joy. I am overwhelmed with emotions - honestly. Now we have to work hard as we are going to grow watermelons in our garden. It is such a responsibility. I still can't believe that I have received the seeds from our president,” Karina said holding a bag with the seeds in her hands.
Experts will offer a watermelon growing guide to Karina’s family, since they have never tried growing gourds in their garden. Karina’s family get a rich harvest of vegetables every year and their garden is always full of flowers. Together with her mother, Karina grows roses, carnations, tulips, and herbs. Now they have already prepared a place for growing watermelons. The family’s agricultural experience will expand.
Tamara Sidorenko, head of the potato and fruit-growing department at the Gomel Oblast Agricultural Experimental Station of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus gave the first recommendations. As an associate professor and candidate of agricultural sciences, she is willing to offer consultation and support in the future.
"Of course, we will provide support, as this is a challenging crop to grow. It can only be cultivated using seedlings. Many agricultural nuances need to be considered taking into account our climate conditions. This crop does not tolerate soil overcooling, and it is important to monitor moisture levels. We will go through all the stages in detail, but it is essential to familiarize themselves with the crop’s biology," Tamara Sidorenko emphasized.
In general, the Murashko’s family is fully ready to take on the challenge. Karina and her parents are excited. "We are ready to roll up our sleeves and, as my dad says, put our shoulders to the wheel,” Karina Murashko said.
"I am confident that we will see the first results this year, and afterward, we might expand the initiative at the school level. The main task is to improve the technology," Ivan Krupko concluded.
The south-eastern region of Belarus has several farmers and households that have successfully cultivated melons and watermelons. Ivan Krupko assured that every effort will be made to ensure the results of their work will bring satisfaction to everyone.
Photos by Sergei Kholodilin
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