First bell ceremonies and celebratory assemblies have taken place in over 3,000 schools and gymnasiums across Belarus today, 110,000 children going to school for the first time. Traditionally, each of them received a gift from the Belarusian President - the book Belarus is Our Motherland. The first lesson"s topic was We Are to Protect Peace. This year about 30 new textbooks will be introduced in the school curriculum.Prior to the launch of the new academic year, charity campaigns to support needy families raising school-age children and orphans have been held across the country. Over 50,000 multi-child and economically disadvantaged families have received financial assistance prior to the academic year launch.
