Updated at 17:53,27-03-2024

60% of young Belarusians would like to emigrate – survey

Belsat.eu

Nearly 60% of young Belarusians want to leave their native country, since they do not believe in changes and chances for a better future, says the recent survey conducted by Boris Nemtsov Foundation and Yuri Levada Analytical Center. Why don’t so many twenty-year-olds see themselves in Belarus? This issue, as well as lots of others, were raised at Wednesday’s open discussion in Minsk.

“If we do know that we can influence on what is going on in the state, country or society, it makes youngsters realize they are in the right place,” Dzmitry Herylovich, a representative of the Belarusian National Youth Council ‘Rada’, said.


But the overwhelming majority of young Bearusians does not seem to have such a feeling – 75 % of respondents believe that they have no impact on the developments in the country. At the same time, young Ukrainians and Russians are more optimistic in assesing their role in civil society.

However, they do not give up, but look for opportunities to pursue ambitions and plans in their home country. How?

“One should be engaged in learning, self-studying, use some online platforms and stay tuned to get information on new initiatives and programs one can apply for. However, other countrie offer more opportunities,” Alyaksandr, a participant in the event, said.


A desire to emigrate can also grow because of travelling and expanding horizons, the participants stress.

“Belarusians are much more mobile than other nations. We travel around more. Perhaps, due to the fact that we travel much, we no longer want to stay, but to leave the country. Most of us feel that there will not be any significant changes,” Maryna said.


What should one do to change the situation so that the youth would flee Belarus which is notorious for the state monopoly on all spheres of life?

“Maybe, the state should find more ways to delegate education powers to private institutions to. We must talk about it, report about it, and it is necessary to hold negotiations with the institutions that are responsible for one or another sphere of our life,” Alina Nagornaya, a representative of the Dzeya civil movement.


‘Living standards abroad’ and ‘economic instability in Belarus’ are the most popular motives for emigration among the youngsters.