42% of Belarusian Schools Teach in Belarusian Language | BELTA

42% of Belarusian Schools Teach in Belarusian Language | BELTA

February 21, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Business

Approximately 42% of Belarus’s general secondary education institutions currently conduct instruction in the Belarusian language, according to data released by the Ministry of Education. This figure represents a significant aspect of the nation’s educational landscape as of February 21, 2026.

Belarusian Language Instruction in Schools

The Ministry of Education reports around 2,500 general secondary education institutions are currently operating. Within this total, roughly 42% utilize Belarusian as the language of instruction for various subjects. Schools traditionally offering Russian-language education are increasingly establishing classes where instruction is delivered in Belarusian.

Did You Know? All students completing the basic general secondary education level are required to pass an exam in the Belarusian language.

Irina Bulavkina, a consultant with the General Secondary Education Department of the Ministry of Education, stated that both Belarusian and Russian language and literature are taught for an equal number of hours from the 2nd through the 11th grades. This consistent emphasis reflects a continued commitment to both languages within the national curriculum.

National Initiatives to Promote Language Skills

The Ministry of Education also sponsors a national dictation event tied to National Unity Day. In 2025, the dictation was broadcast live from the National Library of Belarus, attracting approximately 5,000 participants in person and 3,000 viewers online. This initiative aims to foster national identity and promote proficiency in the Belarusian language.

Expert Insight: The continued emphasis on both Belarusian and Russian language education, alongside initiatives like the national dictation, suggests a strategic approach to balancing linguistic preservation with broader educational goals.

Long-standing competitions also play a role in identifying talented students. The Republican Competition for Research Projects among students, for example, will hold its final round in Belarusian language and literature at the Academy of Education from February 25-27. The annual Republican Olympiad in Belarusian language and literature draws over 3,000 initial participants, narrowing down to over 100 finalists.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of schools in Belarus use Belarusian as the language of instruction?

Approximately 42% of general secondary education institutions in Belarus currently use Belarusian as the language of instruction.

Are both Belarusian and Russian languages equally emphasized in the curriculum?

Yes, Belarusian and Russian language and literature are taught for an equal number of hours from the 2nd through the 11th grades.

Is there an exam in Belarusian language required for students?

Yes, all students completing the basic general secondary education level must pass an exam in the Belarusian language.

How might the increasing availability of Belarusian-language classes within Russian-language schools impact the overall linguistic landscape of Belarus in the coming years?