On February 6, 2023, at the invitation of Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Serhii Shkarlet, a delegation of German educators led by Federal Minister of Education and Research of the Federal Republic of Germany Bettina Stark-Watzinger arrived in Kyiv.

According to Serhii Shkarlet, this meeting is important, because despite the martial law in Ukraine, Bettina Stark-Watzinger is visiting Ukraine for the first time in a decade.

The parties discussed the current situation with the educational process, the extent of destruction of kindergartens, schools, vocational schools, universities and research institutions, challenges in education and science, and priority areas for further cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to the development of science and research, formation of an alliance in vocational education, and provision of quality education to Ukrainian children and youth regardless of their place of residence.

Bettina Stark-Watzinger noted that these would be the key areas that the German side would primarily support.

“Germany is our reliable and strategic partner. Since the beginning of the military aggression of the russian federation, all conditions have been created for Ukrainian children who have temporarily moved to Germany to continue distance learning under Ukrainian curriculum and to study in German classrooms,” said Minister of Education and Science Serhii Shkarlet.

Germany has donated 15 school buses to Ukraine to transport students and teachers to schools.

Last year, more than 6,000 Ukrainian graduates were able to take the national multi-subject test at temporary exam centers in six German cities to enter Ukrainian universities.

Some schools in Germany have started teaching Ukrainian language and literature, history, geography, culture and traditions. This helps to maintain a connection with the homeland.

“Of great importance is the opening of a Ukrainian educational hub in Leipzig, where our children continue to study under the Ukrainian curriculum, and their parents learn the most necessary skills for further employment,” emphasized Serhii Shkarlet.

For about 30 years, joint research projects in priority areas for our countries have been implemented on an ongoing basis. During this time, approximately 200 joint projects have been implemented, and the exchange of scientists is constantly taking place.

Germany’s support in the field of vocational education is also important.

The Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine thanked Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the German government and people for their unwavering support of our citizens, including pupils, students, teachers and researchers, and the Ukrainian education and research system in general.