VNS delegate Maria Yurkova: the future of the country is built by joint efforts

The history of the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly began in 1996, and today this supreme organ of democracy of Belarus is approaching its 30th anniversary. Symbolically, in its new constitutional status, the fate of the country is decided by those who are younger than the institution of the Supreme Council. Among them is a delegate of the VII All-Belarusian People’s Assembly, deputy director for educational work of secondary school No. 7 Gomel Maria Yurkova. The NG correspondent spoke with her about the continuity of generations and the first experience of decision-making at the state level.

Photo from the personal archive of Maria Yurkova "You can not stay away if you can do good" - They say that future leaders are seen from childhood. In your school years, did your classmates understand that a future delegate of the WNC was sitting at the next desk?

- Of course, they did not think about the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly then, but they knew my character perfectly well. Since childhood, social activism has become not just a hobby for me, but a lifestyle. This is a great merit of the family: my parents raised me with a clear understanding that you can not stay away if you can do good. I went through all the steps of the public ladder: October, pioneer, BRSM activist. Each stage taught the main thing – to work in a team and lead others. While studying at the Biological Faculty of the Gomel State University named after F. Skaryna plunged into youth self-government. There were numerous forums, seminars, conferences, the final of the Student of the Year contest and even an invitation to the Republican Ball with the participation of the President, where I was lucky to visit twice. The presence of clear and understandable social elevators in the country allowed me to go from the school council of high school students and the city children's parliament to the Youth Parliament at the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. The role of a passive viewer is not for me. Of course, the level of responsibility in the school board and the INS is not comparable. But with me and my personal development, the opportunities that the state offered to me grew. I am sure that without these small but important steps, it would be too early to take up large-scale state work in the Supreme National Assembly. “Belarusian youth are really involved in the governance of the state” – Remember your emotions when you learned that you will become a participant in an event of historical scale?

- When I was nominated as a candidate for the BRSM delegates, I felt both awe and great gratitude. It’s an incredible feeling to know that your work, energy and civic standing are being seen at the highest level. But behind personal pride came the realization of a colossal responsibility. To go through all the stages of approval and eventually get a mandate is to become the voice of thousands of people who believe in you. For me, this is not just a personal victory, but a very important signal for the whole society: Belarusian youth are really involved in the governance of the state. The dialogue of generations is not a formality, but a working tool. Not all countries that like to position themselves as “standards of democracy” can boast of such openness of power. It is difficult to imagine that in the same Western countries, senior officials make strategic decisions in the same room with ordinary teachers, doctors or farmers, sincerely interested in their opinion. The WNC breaks down these barriers, proving that the future of the country is built by common efforts and that the voice of every citizen matters. No text will convey the nerve of a historical moment. How exciting was the first meeting?

- I was worried, I won't hide it. But what saved me was that I felt tremendous support behind my back every second. I was accompanied by the whole school: colleagues, students. The family was worried at home. On meeting days, they literally did not break away from the screens, catching every minute of live broadcast. For me, everything was new – until the end did not represent the scale of what was happening and with a sinking of heart waited for the speech of the Head of State. I would like to hear firsthand how our work will be built within the framework of the new five-year term. You know, from some of the theses of the President, from the very atmosphere in the hall, goosebumps ran over the skin. Alexander Grigorievich is incredibly deeply involved in all the processes of life of the country, and his speeches are always filled with powerful, indescribable energy. Unfortunately, even the highest quality TV screen dulls this intensity, partially hides emotions. That is why our subsequent meetings in work groups, on dialogue platforms and in classrooms are so important. The task of the delegate is to convey to people not just dry facts or a transcript. The essence can be read in the news, but no text will convey the “nerve” of the historical moment, this unique sense of belonging to decision-making. After my trip to Minsk, my mission is to bring this energy to Gomel, sincerely share my impressions, answer pressing questions, and perhaps dispel myths somewhere. When a leader’s message sounds so powerful, it just needs to recharge others.

- When people say that the Belarusian people are following a single course, this is not just a beautiful phrase, but a reflection of our genetic code. Historically, Belarusians have always solved the most difficult and fateful issues together – at the people’s council. And the All-Belarusian People’s Assembly became a logical, mature continuation of this tradition in a new round of statehood. The main strength of the VNS is in its unique composition. This is not a closed club of politicians, but the broadest and most honest section of our society. Sitting in one hall, the state, represented by the top leadership, sees and hears absolutely every social group. Here a worker, an academician, a doctor, an agrarian and a young teacher have equal voting rights. This format eliminates the gap between the government and the people, because decisions are made not from above, but are born from the real needs of people. The 30-year journey of the WNC proves that it is much more than just an anniversary date in the calendar. This confirms that the country has created and successfully operates a unique political mechanism capable of uniting society in any, even the most turbulent times. A delegate's mandate is not a privilege, but a daily responsibility to those who nominated you. This approach ensures the continuity of state policy, sustainable development and, most importantly, protects our sovereign right to determine our own destiny.

boyarchuk@sb.by