On the State Archives of the Gomel Region’s Conducting a Single Lesson Dedicated to Constitution Day of the Republic of Belarus as Part of the National «Archives for School» Campaign

On March 13, 2026, Yuri Shestopalov, Director of the State Archives of the Gomel Region, and Maya Vashchenko, Senior Researcher, conducted a single lesson dedicated to Constitution Day of the Republic of Belarus for high school students at Secondary School No.75 in Gomel.

Yuri Shestopalov spoke to the students about the importance of the Constitution for every member of society and the history of the adoption of the Basic Law of the Republic of Belarus. Addressing the high school students, he said:

«For three decades, Belarusian society has developed and improved. The Constitution has changed along with us, but all amendments and additions have always been approved by the people and the majority of voters through national referendums. The highest value of our society and state is the individual, their rights, freedoms, and the guarantees for their realization». Our citizens share a love for their homeland, a concern for its prosperity, and a responsibility for its destiny. And each of us is confident that our lives, freedom, and rights are reliably protected by the state. The Constitution of the Republic of Belarus and the President of the Republic of Belarus are the guarantors and ensure every citizen the rights and freedoms necessary for creative work, harmonious personal development, and a dignified life.

Maya Vashchenko spoke to the students about the rights and responsibilities of citizens enshrined in the Constitution—the right to work, free education and healthcare, social assistance for young families, the right to personal integrity, the right of every citizen to vote and be elected to the highest organs of state governance, and other rights. She also spoke about the need to know and fulfill these responsibilities. These include protecting the homeland from external threats, preserving the historical memory of the Great Patriotic War, and the heroism and dedication of the Belarusian people.

The students were shown a documentary film by the BGAKFFD about the history of the Constitution from the time of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania to the present day.

1. Speech by Archive Director Yury Shestopalov

2. Screening of a film about the Constitution

3. Lesson participants

4. Archive Director Yury Shestopalov during the event