MINSK, 26 October (BelTA) – The National Historical Policy Council under the Belarus President Administration is holding a meeting at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on 26 October, BelTA has learned.
“The National Historical Policy Council has been up and running almost since the beginning of the year. Let me remind you that the council was set up under the Belarus President Administration by the respective resolution of the head of state. It actually operates on the basis of the National Academy of Sciences,” Head of the Belarus President Administration Igor Sergeyenko said.
The council has several commissions. “This year the commission has studied history education at secondary schools. Today we will also review how history is taught at Belarusian schools. I believe that history lessons should pursue two goals: to educate and to build a moral compass in children. By studying their history, delving deep into the past, our young people learn to cherish and respect their history and thus become patriots of their country, the head of the Belarus President Administration said.
“This is the goal our educational system should pursue. This year, it was suggested that the history of the Belarusian statehood should be taught in universities. An appropriate textbook was prepared, a group of enthusiastic scientists joined the effort. The issue was repeatedly raised at meetings of the National Historical Policy Council. Today we will be briefed on how this information is taught and perceived at universities. This is not something new, so we have enough experience to make some conclusions, maybe introduce some changes to this program taking into account opinions of teachers who give lectures, seminars at university. We will also discuss the work of museums, preservation of monuments, memorials and a number of other aspects related to research, the work of the Institute of History as the leading scientific institution in the system of the National Academy of Sciences, the work of university faculties, research projects by students and candidates for academic degrees. In other words, we will review the entire system of history education. It is not just academic discussion without practical outcomes. The council's decisions are being implemented,” Igor Sergeyenko said.
The National Historical Policy Council under the Belarus President Administration works on a permanent basis. “In line with its regulations, it should convene at least once every three months. The council was launched in February and today it is its fifth meeting,” added Igor Sergeyenko.
