Yulia Svyrydenko holds teleconference with communities on education issues

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko hosted a special teleconference with communities on education.

“The key question is teachers’ salaries. As of January 1, the state raised those by 30% and provided the necessary funding. At the same time, salaries in kindergartens and after-school programs are funded from local budgets, so communities have varying capabilities. Some regions were unable to fully provide the increase. We have identified those communities and will work with each region separately. The Minister of Education and Science, together with the Ministry of Finance, must propose a solution. Another 20% increase is planned starting in September,” noted the Head of Government.

Special attention is being paid to educational infrastructure.

“The Government’s priority is safe and comfortable offline learning,” emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko. “We have already allocated UAH 6 billion for shelters, UAH 1 billion for school canteens, and UAH 2 billion for over 500 school buses. We are awaiting clear lists of needs and priority communities from the regions.”

We have also identified 150 educational institutions that require priority in ensuring fast and safe access. These are academic lyceums that will participate in piloting the senior specialized school reform starting in September. The regions have envisaged approximately UAH 3 billion, and the state will add another UAH 3.5 billion in co-financing.

Another focus is on preparing for winter.

“Currently, about 54% of institutions have autonomous heating and power supply. We have instructed the regions to accelerate preparations so that the educational process runs smoothly,” stressed the Prime Minister of Ukraine.