Meanwhile, the number of classes and schools with Belarusian language has not increased. Mikhail Zhuraukou said that opening of the Belarusian-language classes depends on the wishes of parents.
“We are not trying to impose the language of instruction. Under the law, if the parents want their child to study in the Belarusian language, the education system has to provide that. We make sure that the rights of our citizens to get education in a particular offical language are observed,” said Mikhail Zhuraukou.
As a result of the 1995 referendum initiated by Lukashenka, the Belarusian language lost its status as the only state language. Since then there has been a gradual reduction in the number of Belarusian language students in secondary education institutions. Now it is about 14% of the total number of pupils. There are only five gymnasiums and one high schools operating in Belarusian in Minsk. There is no class with Belarusian language instruction in regional cities such as Homiel and Vitsebsk.
