Students of Lyceum closed by regime held celebratory assembly

On September 1 students of the former Yakub Kolas National State Humanities Lyceum together with their parents and teachers held a celebratory assembly dedicated to the Knowledge Day near the building in Kirov Street, 21.

For 11 years the educational institution was situated in this building. In 2003 the authorities handed the building over to the court of Tsentralny district of Minsk.

Opening the assembly, the director of the Lyceum Uladzimir Kolas congratulated those present with the Knowledge Day, and expressed gratitude to all friends of the Lyceum both in Belarus and abroad. As said by him, the present new educational year is the year of the 20th anniversary of the Lyceum opened in 1989 under the auspices of the Belarusian humanities educational and cultural centre. “In September we shall start preparation to this holiday. As usual, interesting voyages to the world of knowledge, meetings with prominent personalities and becoming familiar with European history, cultural and natural heritage are expecting us,” U. Kolas said.

A deputy director of the Lyceum Lyavon Barshcheuski noted that Lyceum students should remember about their home in Kirov Str, 21. “Educational institutions have always been situated in this historical building since the end of the 19th century. And we are sure that time will come when the Lyceum would return to its home,» L. Barshcheuski said. He called upon professors and Lyceum students to maintain the reputation of the educational institution which is noted by its adherence to national traditions and a high level of knowledge,” BelaPAN informs.

A student Safiya Nabok expressed hope that optimism and self-assurance would help the Lyceum to overcome all difficulties.

A graduate of the Lyceum Nina Marhaeva called the years of her studying in the lyceum the best years of her life. As said by her, all graduates remember their alma mater and are wishing it the best. Addressing the Lyceum students, she wished them not to lose hope and emphasized that “dignity and power of the educational institution depend on them”.

The students, professors and parents sang “Gaudeamus igitus” and laid flowers to the building.

Over the 19 years of its existence this educational institution has passed a way from a Sunday educational institution of an auxiliary type to Yakub Kolas National State Humanities Lyceum (subordinate to Education Ministry) with its branches in all regions of the country. In spring 2003 the Lyceum was closed. Despite of that, the Lyceum continues to work unofficially as a Belarusian Humanities Lyceum. Pupils study the secondary school program, and then take exams in state schools without attending classes there.