Sergii Koretskyi: Safety of the educational process, support for teachers and students, and school nutrition reform are the state’s main priorities in education for the new academic year

Prime Minister of Ukraine Sergii Koretskyi outlined the state’s key priorities in education for the new academic year at the nationwide conference “August-2026.”

First, the safety of the educational process.

“We continue building underground schools — by the end of the year there should be about 200. We are preparing educational institutions for winter. This year, UAH 1 billion has also been allocated for shelters in kindergartens,” said the Prime Minister.

Second, support for teachers and students.

According to Sergii Koretskyi, the teaching profession must be properly paid and be competitive, especially for young people.

“At the initiative of the President, teachers’ salaries have already increased by 30% this year, and from September 1 they will rise by another 20%. Scholarships in colleges and universities will also be increased,” the Prime Minister stated.

Third, the reform of school nutrition.

The reform was launched at the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska.

“Starting September 1, nearly 3 million pupils will receive free meals,” the Prime Minister informed.

Among the Government’s priorities is also the modernization of vocational education, workshops, and laboratories, so that young people acquire skills needed in the labor market.

“All decisions have one goal — safe and quality education, so that children can study, develop their abilities, and build their future in Ukraine,” emphasized Sergii Koretskyi.