Belarusian Humanities Lyceum


The Belarusian Humanities Lyceum is a private secondary school, formerly located at 21 Kirau Street in Minsk, Belarus.

History

It was founded on January 15, 1991, as the Yakub Kolas National State Humanities Lyceum, by leading Belarusian intellectuals such as the present Belarusian Language Society Chairman Aleh Trusaŭ, the former BPF leader and linguist Vincuk Viačorka, the famous Belarusian historian Prof. Michaś Tkačoŭ, the historian of arts Viačasłaŭ Rakicki, the teacher and film director Uładzimier Kołas, who until now serves as the school's principal. Originally set up as a Sunday school under state control, one of its aims has been to preserve and promote native Belarusian culture, language and humanities.

Closure

On June 25, 2003, the lyceum was shut down by Belarusian authorities, by decree of president Alexander Lukashenko. In the months that followed, students, parents and teachers fought to keep the school open, both diplomatically and through protest, but to no avail. The lyceum went underground shortly thereafter, becoming a private institution with its present name.

Current situation

As of September 2012, about 60 teenagers are students of the Lyceum visiting lessons unofficially delivered by 20 teachers in Minsk. Some of its pupils are registered as students of The International School of Gdansk, Poland.