Baranavichy: the only Belarusian-language form ceased to exist
Yasia Malashchanka and Alisa Filipchyk who want to learn in the Belarusian language
The only Belarusian-class in Baranavichy where just three girls, Yasia Malashchanka, Alisa Filipchyk and Veranika Mikhal'chuk learned, ceased to exist. As the girls finished the primary school and some of the families moved, their parents tried to receive an opportunity for their children to continue receiving instruction in the Belarusian language in the 5th grade of gymnasium No. 4, but to no avail.
“First we were told that the gymnasium didn't have the financial possibilities to open a form with the Belarusian language of instruction. Then – that they needed the written consent of at least 24 parents of students in the class. We appealed to the city authorities in order to save the only Belarusian-language form. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatol Tozik has visited secondary school No. 40 in Mahiliou and pointed to the need for promotion of the wider use of the Belarusian language in educational institutions. However, the city authorities have not supported our idea,” said Yasia's mother, Tatsiana Malashchanka.
The social activist added that Yasia Malashchanka and Alisa Filipchyk would now learn in the Russian-language form 5a, and just maths, world history and "The Man and the World" would be taught in the Belarusian language.
