A Harvest of Goodness: Over 120,000 schoolchildren across the country gathered 800 tons of apples for the “Sad Nadezhdy” project
The national project “Sad Nadezhdy” continues to be implemented in Belarus, running from April to November each year since 2022. The project aims to foster a strong work ethic in the younger generation and instill respect for labor, nature, and those who work the land.
Participants include schoolchildren, university students and their teachers, young professionals, and concerned citizens eager to contribute their efforts to this shared cause.
Each year, participants help landscape grounds, tend to orchards, and harvest crops. By October, over 120,000 students had taken part in the project, harvesting approximately 800 tons of apples.
Working in the orchards allows children and young people not only to gain practical skills but also to experience the tangible results of their labor. Collaborating with peers and educators instills a sense of responsibility, respect for the work of agricultural professionals, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The harvested produce is sent to processing facilities and social-educational institutions.
A key aspect of the project is career guidance. While tending the orchards and harvesting crops, students interact with agricultural specialists, learning about modern professions, the specifics of the work, and opportunities for professional development.
Since its inception, the “Sad Nadezhdy” project has expanded to cover every region of Belarus. This initiative has been complemented by the national contest “Masters of the Native Land,” which fosters a sense of pride among young people in their homeland and its development, while also recognizing outstanding educational institutions.
Another component of the initiative is the national “Young Naturalist” contest for experimental and research projects. It brings together students who, under the guidance of teachers, engage in research and experimentation in the fields of agriculture and agro-ecology. Throughout the year, participants complete the full cycle of seasonal agricultural activities—from planting to harvesting. They showcase their projects and results at the “Fecundity Ball” exhibition, which runs until the end of October at the “EcoInnovation” center of the National Center for Supplementary Education for Children and Youth.
The “Garden of Hope” serves as an example of how collaborative, constructive work unites generations and delivers tangible benefits to society.