The Ethnocultural Center “Svitаnak” was created to teach Belarusian traditions, folklore, and language. It gives Belarusians the opportunity to preserve their culture and identity in exile, and offers people from other countries a chance to discover Belarusian heritage. Due to funding difficulties, the center now faces the risk of having to suspend its core activities.
“Svitаnak” was founded to promote traditional culture, folk singing and dance, and the Belarusian language — especially important at a time when opportunities to develop national culture inside Belarus are severely restricted. Our mission is to preserve Belarusian culture and language among emigrants and displaced people living outside their homeland.
We work with children, teenagers, and adults. Most participants are Belarusian emigrants living in Vilnius.
Today, the main activities of the center are under threat. Our singing and dance classes for children and adults are offered free of charge, but we must still cover rent and teachers’ salaries to continue operating.
Your financial support will allow us to:
Sustain the “Svitаnak” ensemble, which includes 12 children, 8 teenagers, and 10 adults;
Organize open cultural events, traditional holidays based on the Belarusian solar calendar, as well as family and ritual traditions. These events help Belarusians preserve their heritage and allow international visitors to experience Belarusian culture;
Continue active participation in international competitions and festivals, representing Belarusian dignity and national identity within the European Union. For example, for three consecutive years, the ensemble has won first place at the international “Songs of the Borderlands” competition. This fundraising campaign will help us maintain this important cultural work that unites Belarusians abroad and connects them with local communities.
To learn more about our activities, we invite you to attend our meetings and classes or follow us on social media: Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook.
Fundraising goal
€7400
€3600 — rent for 3 months
€3000 — teachers’ salaries for 3 months
€400 — accounting services for 3 months
€400 — social media management and maintenance