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How a 1999 Belarusian program shaped young activists through bold challenges

A secretive three-month course pushed participants to their limits—organizing events, navigating unknown towns, and sparking a movement. Their legacy still echoes today.

Here we can see a group of people. Most of the people wore military dress and caps. These are light...
Here we can see a group of people. Most of the people wore military dress and caps. These are light poles. Here we can see flags.

How a 1999 Belarusian program shaped young activists through bold challenges

In 1999, a leadership programme called Rebirth DJs was launched to train members of the Young Front. The three-month course aimed to encourage initiative and strengthen Belarusian national identity among young people. Participants took part in a mix of theory and hands-on tasks to build their skills.

The programme ran for nine theoretical sessions and three practical exercises. One of the assignments sent participants to an unfamiliar location in Belarus for 24 hours. After completing the task, they had to share their experiences through the media.

Another challenge involved organizing a Belarusian-language event, such as a disco, and displaying white-red-white flags. The course focused on developing leadership qualities while promoting cultural and national awareness. Though details about its origins remain unclear, the programme was designed to push young activists beyond their comfort zones. By the end, they were expected to take active roles in shaping youth engagement across the country.

The Rebirth DJs courses combined education with real-world action. Participants left with practical experience in media outreach and event planning. The initiative left a mark on Belarusian youth activism in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

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