Press releases

MINSK, 21 February (BelTA) – The ambassadors of the UK, Israel, and Romania to Belarus have decided to join a poetic flash mob and recite famous pieces of poetry written by Belarusian classics. The diplomats chose to recite works by Yakub Kolas and Pimen Panchenko, BelTA learned from organizers of the project We Read Belarusian Together With velcom. A presentation of video films was arranged on International Mother Language Day (21 February).

Their colleagues from other foreign diplomatic missions joined the poetic flash mob earlier and recited Belarusian works, too.

The diplomats, who took part in the poetic flash mob, believe that the project We Read Belarusian Together With velcom is important for popularizing Belarusian culture. The national language is an inalienable part of Belarusian culture. Poetry is a universal form, which can briefly and seamlessly present information, convey mood, sketch out one’s own character, and express feelings. This is why every ambassador chose some work, which vividly demonstrates the poetic nature of the Belarusian language.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Romania to Belarus Viorel Mosanu recited Yakub Kolas’ poem Nadykhod zimy (the arrival of winter), which reflects emotions appropriate for this time of the year.

Another piece of poetry by Yakub Kolas — Mnoga Slaunenkikh Kutochkau (a lot of lovely nooks) — was recited by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to Belarus Alon Shoham. The diplomat also translated the piece of poetry into Hebrew and recited it.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Fionna Gibb recited a piece of poetry by Pimen Panchenko.

Early this winter poetry written by Belarusian authors was recited by representatives of the diplomatic missions of Sweden, Slovakia, Czechia, Finland, Kyrgyzstan, Italy, the USA, South Korea, and Ukraine. Students of all departments of the Belarusian State University joined the project and made a video of the recital of Belarusian works.

The poetic flash mob was arranged in support of the national contest of young readers We Read Belarusian Together With velcom. Seventh and eighth form students are invited to take part in the contest. Participants of the contest from all over Belarus have submitted 2,048 videos featuring their recital of Belarusian literature works. Regional finals are held from February through April. During the finals winners of the first stage of the contest have to recite live before a panel of judges.

The final stage of the contest will take place in May.