From Bustling School to Quiet Campus: A Belarusian Town's Industrial Past

Svetlogorsk's Forgotten Legacy: The Story of Vocational School No. 50 Svetlogorsk, Belarus – A short video recently surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the past of Svetlogorsk Vocational School No. 50. Built in 1965 to support the town's burgeoning artificial fiber industry, the school trained generations of workers. The video, featuring historical photographs and present-day footage, highlights the school's transformation into a lyceum and its eventual integration into Svetlogorsk College. "In 1965, after the construction of the artificial fiber plant, the decision was made to build Svetlogorsk Professional and Technical School No. 50," narrates the video's creator. The video contrasts images of bustling classrooms and students with the quieter, somewhat overgrown campus of today. The video's creator also notes the significant role the school played in the lives of Svetlogorsk residents. "Thousands, or perhaps tens of thousands, of our city's children first received their professions here." This sentiment speaks to the broader significance of vocational training and its impact on communities. The transformation of the school reflects broader economic shifts in the region. While the video is locally focused, its story of industrial legacy and educational change resonates with similar narratives in post-Soviet towns and cities.