Healthy Patriotism: The Zonal State Archives in Molodechno opened the pages of Belarusian statehood history for children from a sanatorium

On July 8, the Zonal State Archives in Molodechno held a patriotic event for children at the Health Academy sanatorium in Radoshkovichi. Over 100 children aged 9 to 16 participated in a film lecture dedicated to the country’s most important historical date—Independence Day.

The event began with an introduction to the world of archival work. Inna Zenonovna Pudakevich, the archive’s director, welcomed the young audience. She described the multifaceted work of the archival service and showed a presentation video about the institution. This allowed the children to gain a deeper understanding of the scope of archivists’ work, dispel stereotypes, and gain a fresh, intriguing perspective on this noble profession, which preserves the memory of generations. After handing over the floor to archivist Anastasia Krent, Inna Zenonovna smoothly turned the audience’s attention to the main part of the event—a screening of a new documentary from the Belarusian State Film, Photo, and Sound Archive, «Independence Day: A Chronicle of Belarusian Statehood».

Anastasia Viktorovna introduced the screening with a detailed annotation, revealing the scope of the historical film. She recalled that the film was created as part of the national «Open Film Archive» project and covers key milestones of the 20th and early 21st centuries: from the events of World War I and the state-building of the 1920s and 1930s to the reunification of Western Belarus with the BSSR in 1939. Particular attention was paid to the heroic and tragic chapters of the Great Patriotic War, the long-awaited liberation of Minsk on July 3, 1944, and the post-war reconstruction and industrial triumphs of the 1960s and 1970s. The archivist emphasized that the film places significant emphasis on the role of the First President of the Republic of Belarus, Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, in the formation and strengthening of the institutions of sovereign Belarusian statehood.

When the lights dimmed in the hall and the chronicle of bygone years lit up the screen, hundreds of children’s eyes were glued to it. The children were immersed in the film, listening raptly and discovering new, sometimes little-known, facts about the fate of their people.

Concluding the meeting, Archive Director Inna Zenonovna Pudakevich addressed the children with warm and inspiring words:

«Over the centuries, our people have faced the most difficult trials and hardships, but the unshakable unity of the nation has always helped us overcome them. Today, you, the younger generation, have inherited the most important thing—a peaceful life and priceless historical memory. In gratitude to your ancestors, I wish you to preserve this historical wisdom. Cherish our Belarus and its independence as a great gift!» The film lecture at the Health Academy became a true lesson in patriotism and a lively dialogue between generations. After all, it is through understanding their past that young people learn to value the present and build the future of a sovereign Belarus.

The sanatorium’s educators expressed a desire to show the film to other groups as well. The screenings will continue.

1. I.Z.Pudakevich presents a video about the archive

2. During the event

3. A.V.Krent presents the film BGAKFFD

4. During the screening

5. I.Z.Pudakevich and A.V.Krent