A grand celebration marking Union State Day took place at the "Zhemchuzhina" (Pearl) Children's Rehabilitation and Health Center in the Lepel District of the Vitebsk Region. The guests of honor were young vacationers from regions of Belarus and Russia that were most affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Parliamentarians from the Union State, representatives of the Union State Standing Committee, and local officials came to visit the young vacationers. The children prepared a vibrant concert titled "The Unity of Belarus and Russia—There Is No Finer Union in the World!"

Activities organized for the vacationers included an arts area, a literary corner, a folk dance workshop ("From Polka to Quadrille"), and karaoke. The children proudly spoke about our history and traditions, sharing that they had made new friends here. The most active participants competed in relay races, beach soccer tournaments, and tug-of-war.

The celebration began with a formal assembly. Warm greetings were exchanged, accompanied by speeches about the strong friendship, unity, and future of our countries. Then came a wonderful and long-awaited event: the grand opening of the renovated canteen!

Now, guests and residents of the center can enjoy delicious meals in an even more comfortable, bright, and modern space.

It was a day packed with activity, full of color, and truly fostering unity.

A special and deeply heartwarming highlight of the day was a discussion forum with the event's guests titled "The Foundation of Unity: Family, Children, and Morality."

The children shared their impressions of their stay and asked the guests questions that interested them. Such in-person meetings serve as the best reminder of how important it is to strengthen ties between our peoples—specifically through the younger generation.

Since 2004, the "Zhemchuzhina" Children's Rehabilitation and Health Center has been a regular implementer of the Union State program providing health recovery services for children from affected regions. Over the years, 5,205 children have received sanatorium-based treatment and rehabilitation under this initiative. In 2026, 242 children will undergo the treatment program.

In addition to medical and wellness procedures, educational sessions are organized for the children in specially equipped classrooms and computer labs, with significant emphasis placed on Union State-related themes. The program is held annually to help improve the quality of medical care and health recovery for children living in areas of Belarus and Russia affected by the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, as well as to foster a positive attitude among the younger generation toward integration processes within the Union State and to strengthen friendly ties between peers from both countries.