Kindergarten Meal Prices in Belarus to Increase by up to 10%

Starting June 1st, Belarusian kindergartens will see a price increase for meals of up to 10%. This increase, affecting thousands of families, is due to rising costs associated with summer programs and activities. The new pricing structure varies depending on the child's age group and daily attendance hours. For instance, for children aged 1-3 attending for 10.5 hours, the daily cost will be 3.94 rubles, while for those aged 3-7, it will be 5.18 rubles. The increase has sparked discussion amongst parents, with concerns raised about the added financial burden. However, the government maintains that the increase is necessary to cover the rising costs of providing quality care and educational programs for children. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing affordability and quality in early childhood education in Belarus.