Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Collegian Front Page

Cameron Siefkes/Collegian photographer Former President of Independent Belarus, Stanislau Sushkevich, gives a speech April 19 for the opening of the Center for Belarusian Studies at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. About 100 people were in attendance for the speech.

An audience looks and listens to authentic Belarusian music at the opening for the Center for Belarusian Studies. The music was a part of a literary review that featured Belarusian poems and music. The session lasted one hour. Other activities that took place during the day were round table discussions, a speech with a question and answer session, and entertainment by Belarusian pop star Olga.

Democracy depends upon education and youth. That was a large part of the message conveyed at the opening for the Center for Belarusian Studies. The event took place Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Wichita. A variety of activities allowed Americans to learn the history and culture of Belarus. Belarusian art, literature, music, and a round table discussion were presented in addition to a lecture by former Belarusian President Stanislau Sushkevich. In his lecture, Sushkevich said that young, educated people are a catalyst for democratic change. He then went on to say that, "Citizens, in particular the younger generation, should see and understand how democracy works." In an interview, Sushkevich continued to stress the importance of education. "The fact is that today very few Belarusian students have the opportunity to get a true education. True education then influences the convictions of a person. So it is very important," said Sushkevich. This is an issue that Ivonka Survilla, current President of the Belarusian Democratic Republic in Exile, agrees with. During an interview, she said, "The youth are really the most important element of our nation right now in order to become free again. And young people are very courageous and fighting for freedom in Belarus." She went on to explain that the students in Belarus can be kicked out of school for expressing any thoughts that are anti-government. She then made a plea of support for the young people of Belarus. "The percentage of the population that suffers most right now is youth. And you see I am talking to you, to youth, I think that you feel solidarity with them. Because you are young you understand what it means to be pressured into doing what you are told to do," said Survilla. "We would like, for example, for some young people to be able to come here [America] for internships, for summer courses, to be able to travel and meet you. And for you maybe to go there, and meet those people outside the public rebellion because that would be too dangerous for you. But, at least to give them hope that they are not alone in the world." And that is where the Center for Belarusian Studies comes into play. According to Andy Sheppard, academic dean of students, there are plans for more Belarusian scholars to study here. An internship program could even be created for them someday if money allows. But Sheppard said that it's not so much about the Center for Belarusian Studies as it is about the people and students involved. "If we can get the exchange program off the ground it won't be about what the Center will do for them [Belarusians] it will be about what the students can do for each other," said Sheppard. "So I guess my hope is by having the Center for Belarusian Studies the students at Southwestern College will realize they have the capacity to change the world." While some students may not take advantage of the opportunities that the Center has to offer. Other students have already realized the potential that can be found within the Center for Belarusian Studies. Avery Archambo, history senior, attended the Center for Belarusian Studies opening on Saturday. She said, "I think it's an exciting prospect that the college is taking on. It could create a good partnership with another college that is very different from our own." Peggy Williams is a sophomore majoring in journalism. You may e-mail her at peggy.williams@sckans.edu.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools