Opinions & Interviews

Lukashenko stresses importance of motivation for students

MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) – Students should have motivation to learn and lead a healthy lifestyle, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said as he visited Minsk State Linguistic University (MSLU) on 22 November, BelTA has learned.

“It is time for a person to think about their education and health themselves. If you want to achieve something, you are welcome. We open the door for you. There is no need to sit here, suffer, with absolutely no interest, while teachers are desperately trying to give some knowledge to you. This time has already gone,” the Belarusian leader stressed.

The head of state was briefed on the prospects of the university development.

As for the education process, the president stressed the importance of changing the ways of teaching foreign languages. “The main thing for the student is to work on the language. Every day. You need to read, translate a lot. That is what learning a foreign language is all about. You need real-life practice. I am saying that we need to significantly change the forms of teaching. Listening to a lecture, getting some translation as homework, spending some time in language rooms, as it once used to be, is not enough. All of it should be of course. But it is good as a start. Then one should go deeper in order to learn the language,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

According to MSLU rector Natalya Lapteva, the university is also training in digital linguistics, which combines language training with the use of information technologies. This is important also taking into account AI development.

Without denying the importance of this area, the president stressed that every university “wants to take over everything today”. “If you want to be an IT specialist, the linguistic university is probably not for you. Everyone should be computer literate today. Today’s life is about computers, phones, various devices,” he said.

Students of different nationalities greeted the head of state at the university and gifted him his quote about youth translated into 15 foreign languages studied at the university.

The head of state got familiar with the development prospects of other universities. Among them are Belarusian State University, Belarusian State Pedagogical University, Belarusian State Economic University, the Academy of Public Administration under the Aegis of the President of the Republic of Belarus and MITSO.

Andrei Ivanets noted that 5,000 foreign students are currently enrolled in Belarusian State University. "Work is underway to implement you instruction to set up a Belarusian-Chinese Center for Fundamental Research with Peking University, and also the Higher School of Biotechnology. We remember your instruction to create a world-class hub," Andrei Ivanets added.

Speaking about Belarusian State Pedagogical University, the education minister noted that the university annually enrolls about 1,000 students. "The most important thing is the content of education. There is still work to be done to make sure we train both future teachers and also educators of the patriots of our country," he stressed.

According to Andrei Ivanets, Belarusian State Economic University has been tasked with helping government bodies and developing social and economic development, import substitution and other economic programs. "So far,  this university served as an educational center only," the minister stated.

Andrei Ivanets also noted that 100% of graduates of the Academy of Public Administration under the President are placed into government jobs. This year 72% of graduates were employed with ministries and regional authorities.

"Don't forget that this is also your institution. No one knows it better than you," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

Speaking about MITSO, the education minister stressed that this university trains personnel for the Investigative Committee and the Prosecutor's Office. "It also offers advanced training courses for the Federation of Trade Unions. About 14,000 trade union activists annually take such courses at the university," Andrei Ivanets concluded.

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