Lukashenko stresses proper school meals and timely repairs in education meeting

President Alexander Lukashenko held a meeting with Education Minister Ivantsov and emphasized the need to properly feed children in schools. He stressed that meals should be nutritious but simple, using available domestic products like potatoes, meat, and milk, rather than aiming for restaurant-style menus. The president also insisted on completing all school renovation plans this year, warning not to delay problems until 2027. Over 300 schools have been fully renovated under a three-year modernization program. Lukashenko advised against blindly following Western education standards but suggested adopting reasonable elements. He also commented on supporting young professionals, saying they should not be 'carried on hands' but may need some help. The ministry reported that 3,500 preschool facilities and 2,600 schools are ready for the new academic year, serving 300,000 and 1,025,000 students respectively, including 87,500 first graders.