MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko has approved the creation of a system of small grants that will be used to implement youth initiatives via primarily public private partnership and the realization of civil initiatives. The possibility was discussed as the head of state met with top officials of the Council of Ministers on 21 September, BelTA has learned.
Belarusian Education Minister Igor Karpenko revealed the details. He said: “For now there are certain issues relating to the creation of the legal base. We will continue working on it. But the president backed the idea. Today as they put forward some youth initiatives it is important for young Belarusians, youth organizations, public structures, including natural persons, to be able to suggest projects, which are interesting for young Belarusians and take into account interests of the society and the state and have a certain patriotic direction.”
In his words, it is now necessary to take a closer look at the legislation regulating the state youth policy and work out clear approaches that will allow supporting these initiatives.
Igor Karpenko explained: “Creating kind of an additional fund is the idea, including sponsor money that can be used to support small youth initiatives.”
BelTA reported earlier that during the government conference Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko suggested discussing a mechanism for implementing civil initiatives and youth initiatives at the municipal level. “You and I have to answer the relevant questions particularly during meetings with university students. It is a good idea and there are very many areas for such work in the society. Citizens could participate in the beautification of their towns and cities, could help repair monuments and obelisks. Young Belarusians could realize projects relating to the patriotic education, intellectual, spiritual, and physical education,” Aleksandr Lukashenko remarked.
In his words, systemic work meant to achieve long-term goals is needed. “It is also our ideological vector. The Council of Ministers, the parliament, and particularly municipal authorities have to provide constant support for such work. We have to absolutely clearly understand how the projects will be selected, who will get the money, and how money distribution and spending will be audited,” the president said.