MINSK, 14 October (BelTA) – On the instruction of the Belarusian president, Prime Minister Aleksandr Turchin presented state awards on Mother's Day, BelTA has learned.
“Mother's Day is a symbol of boundless love, tenderness, and care. It is the mother who is the source of strength and inspiration for her child. It is the mother who teaches one to love the homeland, to be honest and just, to respect elders, and to help those in need. Her lessons and guidance help us in the most crucial and sometimes fateful moments of our lives,” Aleksandr Turchin said.
The prime minister emphasized that supporting families with children, and the health of mother and child, have been among the highest priorities of the social policy in Belarus. must efforts go into the creation of comfortable conditions for living and raising children, the construction of housing, kindergartens, schools, and medical facilities. The quality and accessibility of education and healthcare are being improved.
"Today, we honor the mothers who have achieved significant results not only in raising children but also in their professional careers across various sectors. Through your exemplary dedication to your work, you set an example for your children. I extend special words of respect and admiration to mothers with many children. Each one of you is a true heroine. The children of Belarus are growing up safe in your caring hands and through the kindness of your hearts. Your contribution to strengthening family traditions and raising worthy citizens of our country is immeasurable,” Aleksandr Turchin said.
The prime minister added that a mother's care determines not only the wellbeing of the family and children but also the future of the nation. “I want to sincerely congratulate you on this wonderful holiday and wish you and your families health and prosperity. I wish for all of us a peaceful sky above our heads and that we may gather for such joyous occasions as often as possible,” Aleksandr Turchin stressed.
For giving birth to and raising five or more children, Anna Shklyarova, a history and social studies teacher at Gomel Secondary School No.72, was awarded the Order of the Mother. “The support we feel is invaluable, and it comes not only from our own large families but also at this high level,” she said. “I am confident that everyone will give their utmost for the development of our beloved Belarus. A mother's duty is to raise worthy citizens of the country and to instill in them a love for the homeland. Every family is unique. It is a masterpiece that we create ourselves, and a family with many children is the foundation of our future.”
Anna Shklyarova has two sons and three daughters. Her oldest son is 18 years old and is currently studying at university. Her youngest daughter has recently started attending kindergarten. According to Anna, Belarus provides tremendous support to large families. In addition to childcare allowances, children can attend free clubs and extracurricular activities, receive assistance in preparing for school, and many shops offer discounts.
“My children are wonderful, I’m proud of them. They study well and know that nothing comes without effort. They also have certain achievements in sports. It is good to see that the role of mothers is valued so highly,” Anna Shklyarova noted.
The Medal for Labor Merits was presented to Deputy Chairperson of the Osipovichi District Executive Committee Anna Zemlyanukhina.
“I have been working in public service for over 25 years, eight of them heading the district’s social sphere. The tasks we face in education, healthcare, culture, sports, and social protection are very diverse, but they are all in the best interests of the people. It is highly responsible work, and I am fortunate to have a strong team that sometimes accomplishes what seems almost impossible,” she said.
We are proud that the infrastructure of the social welfare sector has been substantially upgraded in recent years. At the end of 2019, we built a new hospital, and last year - a new school. We have carried out major renovations of schools and healthcare institutions. This is truly invaluable. Most importantly, we are grateful to the state for recognizing our work with such a high award. It motivates us to new achievements,” Anna Zemlyanukhina noted.
The Francysk Skaryna Medal was awarded to Irina Danilyuk, a ballet dancer of the G.I. Tsitovich National Academic Folk Choir of Belarus. She has been working there since 1998. “When I learned about the award, I was overwhelmed with pride and joy,” she admitted. “I am a little emotional because, as a mother of two wonderful sons, it is particularly touching to receive this award today. I am used to always working hard, staying at my best, feeling valued and needed, passing on experience to the younger generation, investing my energy, creating, and enjoying it. I also work part-time as a ballet tutor, and there is a new area for me: choreographing pieces. We do not stand still; we develop and move forward.”