The Our Children campaign covers more than 1 million boys and girls in Belarus, Viktor Dovnar, Head of the Educational Work and Youth Policy Directorate of the Education Ministry told BelTA's project The Nation Speaks.
The Our Children charity campaign was initially designed to bring New Year joy to children left without parental care. Over the years, it has expanded to reward high performers, including winners of academic and sports competitions, children who excel in community services, who represent the country in the international arena.
As Viktor Dovnar said, every year the campaign covers more than 1 million children across the country. “The main goal and motto of the campaign is to reach out to every child. I am sure that no child will be left behind, because the amount of funds transferred by public associations, enterprises, organizations, government agencies is growing every year. In 2021-2022 about Br3.5 million was raised, while last year it was already about Br7 million. Enterprises, organizations and the general public are actively responding to our call. People contact the ministry and regional executive committees to ask how they can help, what children need support,” he remarked.
More and more Belarusians want to join the good cause. “The Belarusian Children's Fund holds this campaign every year together with the Education Ministry and the Healthcare Ministry. They raise funds for sick children. This year - for children with cardiovascular diseases. Last year, we managed to raise Br102,000. Perhaps, it seems that this is not a huge amount, but it was really helpful and it was used to treat children specified by the Belarusian Children's Fund,” he said.
The organizers of the campaign keep track of the children after they receive assistance. For their families, such support has become a real New Year and Christmas miracle. The Belarusian Children's Fund acts as their patron.
The Our Children charity campaign was launched in 1995 on the initiative of the head of state. It is run by the Education Ministry. This time it will be ongoing till 15 January 2025.
