Programme “Learning cities and organizations” in Belarus

This Programme is aimed at promoting learning for all, as well as the concept of "learning city" in different contexts and at any age through the involvement of various organizations in the learning processes, the creation of adult education centers, expanding the range of services for vulnerable groups, creating new opportunities for learning at work, etc. 

The partners are city administrations committed to the idea of a "learning city" and supporting intersectoral and inter-institutional cooperation on their territory in order to promote the right to education for all. 

In addition to supporting mini-projects, DVV International Belarus implements the Learning Cities and Organisations Programme, which aims to develop the capacity of initiative groups from localities seeking to create and develop a learning city/learning area. In addition to the representatives of the cities, the Program participants also included organizations that are engaged in the creation and development of adult education centers in different regions of Belarus.

The programme includes the development of the strategic plan, development of the model of the adult education centre in relation to local conditions, support in the organisational development of the programme participants. The programme involves both face-to-face meetings and intermediate work online.

Representatives of 7 cities and regions were selected to participate in the 2019 Programme:

1. Vitebsk

There is already one city in Belarus that is a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Vitebsk joined the Global Network in October 2018.

Vitebsk is the administrative centre of the Vitebsk Region. The city has a population of 378,5 thousand inhabitants, making it the country's fourth-largest city. Vitebsk is situated approximately 290 km north from the capital Minsk. Vitebsk is a centre of culture: there are more than 100 libraries, 50 museums in Vitebsk. The city is one of the main centres of avant-garde art associated with the names of Marc Chagall and Kazimir Malevich.

The most successful projects in the field of education are connected with joining the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities: Day of the Learning City Vitebsk was organized for the first time in June 2019, the Coordination Council of the Learning City Vitebsk works on popularization of the ideas of life-long learning, many NGOs, state institutions and private organizations are involved in providing educational services for all generations. The Regional resource centre for the development of adult education works here. The Inclusion of Vitebsk in the global network also contributes to the development of “creative” economy of the city.

The next three Belarusian cities are interested to enter the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities:

2. Minsk

Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus, situated in the centre of the country. As the national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus and is the administrative center of Minsk Region. The population in January 2018 was 1,982,444 (not including suburbs) making Minsk the 11th most populous city in Europe. 

Minsk is the major cultural centre of Belarus. Now it has 11 theatres and 16 museums. There are 20 cinemas and 139 libraries. In Minsk, educational projects for participants of different ages (children, youth, adults, seniors) - are especially widely represented. There are a lot of state educational institutions, training centers, active longevity centers, etc. in Minsk. Educational courses and master-classes on a wide range of topics are organized here on the basis of various institutions.

Minsk is going to get the status of a learning city. It has very good potential due to the developed system of organizations providing educational services.

3. Gomel

Gomel is the administrative center of Gomel Region and with 526,872 inhabitants the second-most populous city of Belarus. Gomel is situated in the southeastern part of the country, 302 km (188 mi) south-east of Minsk.

Among the key achievements in the field of education are: active development of educational services in the field of IT and creativity, Regional resource center for the development of adult education, development of educational services for vulnerable populations (prisoners, seniors, etc.).

The work on preparing for the entry of Gomel into the Global Network has been conducted in the city for a couple of years. The city is seriously determined to complete this stage and submit documents in the near future.

4. Slutsk 

Slutsk is a city in Belarus, located 105 km (65 mi) south of Minsk. As of 2010 its population is of 61,400 Slutsk is the administrative center of Slutsk District.

As for the development of education in Slutsk, there are separate educational offers from state and commercial centers. Currently, it is planned to create an adult education centre, as well as to merge existing providers into a network.

Slutsk is going to get the status of a learning city.

5. Zelva

Zelva is a town in Grodno Region, Belarus, the administrative center of Zelva district, located 230 km from Minsk. The town has a population of 6 678 thousand inhabitants.

The initiative group of the town has been actively working on the development of adult education since 2018 since this direction is one of the priorities for the town. The strategy for the development of adult education in Zelva has been developed and is currently being successfully implemented.

Zelva is interested in obtaining the status of a learning city.

6. Korma

Korma is the administrative center of Kormyansky district of Gomel region of Belarus, located 260 km from Minsk. It has a population of 7 624 inhabitants.

A few years ago, an adult education centre was established in Korma, which is now actively working to promote lifelong learning and organize educational courses for residents throughout the district.

Zelva is going to get the status of a learning city.

7. Smorgon

Smorgon is a city in the Grodno Region of Belarus. Smorgon is located 107 km from the capital, Minsk. It has a population of 36 283 inhabitants.

As for the development of education in Smorgon, there are separate educational offers from state and commercial centers. Now the team from Smorgon is working on a strategy for the development of adult education.

Smorgon is interested in obtaining the status of a learning city.