Ministry of Education and Science raises USD 30 million for preschool education development under First Steps Forward

The World Bank has earmarked USD 30 million for the development of preschool education as part of the First Steps Forward initiative launched by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. This is the first nationwide initiative that prioritizes preschool education and attracts partners aimed at a comprehensive transformation of the industry and increased investment in the sector.

The relevant grant agreement was signed today by the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi, and the World Bank's Country Director for Eastern Europe, Bob Saum.

"This decision is the result of consistent and systematic work by the team of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. We have been gradually building a partnership with the World Bank, demonstrating the importance of profound changes in education and the state's readiness to implement them. Starting with cooperation in continuing the reform of the New Ukrainian School, we moved on to creating systemic institutional, regulatory, and legislative tools in the field of preschool education. For the first time in over 30 years, preschool education is receiving such comprehensive and large-scale support. I sincerely thank the World Bank team for their trust and strategic partnership," said Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The development of decent preschool education is one of the objectives of the Government's Action Plan, and we are working in this direction to find resources and create infrastructure. The grant funds will be used to expand support within the LEARN program and to ensure the implementation of preschool education reform, a key requirement for Ukraine's accession to the European Union.

The investments will be directed toward:

- re-equipping and opening 500 preschool education service locations;

- equipment for group rooms and shelters;

- computer and technical equipment;

- support for the professional training of preschool teachers, with a focus on education for kids with special educational needs;

- support for communities in implementing local preschool education development strategies.

An important prerequisite for these changes was the First Steps Forward initiative, which the Ministry of Education and Science launched in partnership with UNICEF, the Government of Finland, the World Bank, and the EU earlier this year. Currently, the initiative has formed an alliance of more than 20 partners during URC 2025 who support Ukrainian preschool education. The World Bank and Theirworld were among the first donors to invest in this area. First Steps Forward is the first initiative to prioritize preschool education at the national level.

"For the World Bank, cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science is important and effective: the programs are implemented with high quality, deliver results, and are focused on the long term. We strive to continue supporting Ukraine in the reconstruction process, and one of its key elements is access to education, especially preschool education. Preschool education enables parents to return to the labor market and contributes to economic recovery. At the same time, it is important for families to be confident that their children are in a safe environment and receiving a quality education. That is why today's signing and support for preschool education is a significant step in this direction," said Bob Saum, World Bank Country Director for Eastern Europe.

The signed agreement confirms the provision of a grant from the Global Partnership for Education Fund and the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund (URTF) (Additional Funding for the LEARN project) between Ukraine and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Development Association. The total amount of funding is USD 31.1 million. Of the total amount, USD 30 million is provided by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Assistance, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform in Ukraine (URTF).

Also, within the framework of the agreement, a grant (System Capacity Grant) in the amount of USD 1.1 million was provided by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Fund, to be used for the systematic development of institutional capacity in the following areas, in particular: European integration, vocational education, inclusive education, and strategic planning with a focus on the development of educational infrastructure.

This support is consistent with the priority development goals of the LEARN project and its focus on strengthening education sector governance.