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An image of a country depends a lot on the people who spread information about their homelands. Whether these stories are more optimistic or pessimistic, whether they enlighten wonderful sides of our culture and history or just copy stereotypes and highlight some disadvantages – nevertheless, precisely these words create the exact image of the country to be perceived by the foreigners. In the future this image may become a cornerstone for international relations.

Even now, when Belarus is little by little becoming more attractive for the outside world, the image of the country is still very often biased by typical Chernobyl, dictatorship and other negative stereotypes. Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Adukacyja.info seek to gather proactive young Belarusians who are (or shortly will become) informal ambassadors of Belarus abroad, to reflect on how Belarus is perceived, evaluate the impact of different discourses and show best practices of presenting their country abroad.

Participation in the School will allow the participants:

1. To reflect on existing stereotypes of Belarus in the minds of the EU citizens and politicians (i.e. through video-interview);
2. To find out more about best practices of presenting the country;
3. To network with outstanding Belarusians, researchers, diaspora members, as well as with Lithuanian experts;
4. To strengthen media and creativity skills, as well as skills of public presentations;
5. To create a pull of instruments for promoting the positive image of Belarus in Europe.

Talented young Belarusians at the age of 18-30 who spent (or intend to spend) time abroad, whether for studying, travelling or working, or have a close connection to structures that are functioning beyond the Belarusian borders - media, NGOs, universities.