Today, August 23, 2022, the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Serhii Shkarlet met with the Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic Vladimír Balaš, Deputy Minister Pavla Katzová and Director of the Department for EU Affairs Martin Fatura.

The parties discussed the current situation in the field of education and science in Ukraine during martial law, in particular, the steps taken by the Ministry of Education and Culture to ensure the sustainability of education and teaching, the creation of safe conditions for all participants in the educational process, and preparation for the new academic year.

Serhii Shkarlet appealed to Mr. Vladimír Balaš with a request to consider the possibility of opening a Ukrainian educational hub in the Czech Republic, as thanks to the network of such hubs, Ukrainian children will have the opportunity to continue their studies abroad under the Ukrainian state program in the new academic year, as well as master relevant professions on the labor market in times of war.

Minister Vladimír Balaš told that adaptation groups had been established in the Czech Republic to support Ukrainian children and their rehabilitation. They also employ Ukrainian teachers. In cooperation with the Ukrainian embassy, they prolong work on the program of Saturday schools, so that children can continue to keep in touch with Ukraine, to be able to study the Ukrainian language, history, their traditions and culture.

The Czech Government is constantly trying to help Ukrainians, in particular, 13 billion Czech crowns have been allocated to support education.

During the conversation, the issue of the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of science was also raised.

"I am convinced that joint initiatives will be important in the process of rebuilding Ukraine in the war and post-war periods. We highly appreciate the support of the Czech people, the government, in particular the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic. Thank you for all the measures taken to help Ukrainian pupils, students, education and science workers who, fleeing the war, found protection in the Czech Republic. Together to the victory!" said Serhii Shkarlet.

It should be noted that the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the UNICEF are launching the Back to Learning Together Initiative to support children in the new academic year.