Lisovyi reports, Ukrainians sharply criticize: what is wrong with the financing and functioning of the education system
Education is the basis of the development of any country, and in the conditions of war its role becomes even more critical. War brings not only the destruction of cities and infrastructure, but also serious challenges for the education system: schools are destroyed, children lose access to quality education, and teachers are forced to work in extreme conditions. However, even in these times, Ukraine continues to invest significant resources in the restoration, modernization and support of the educational sphere. This is exactly what the Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, emphasized during the “hour of questions to the government” in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. After the speech, Lisovyi also published his theses in Facebook, however, Ukrainians expressed sharp criticism in the comments, pointing to insufficient funding and education problems that remain unresolved.
As Lisovyi stressed, the focus of state policy is on supporting educators, because they are the key conductors of knowledge and educators of future generations. He noted that 115 billion hryvnias have been allocated for teachers’ salaries, which allows to partially compensate for the difficulties they face while performing their duties. The minister noted that 12 billion hryvnias were additionally found for a partial increase in wages, but admitted that this was not enough, and the government continued to look for opportunities for further wage growth.
Oksen Lisovy emphasized that the modern world requires constant updating of knowledge, and this applies not only to students, but also to teachers. For this purpose, 150 million hryvnias are aimed at improving the professional qualifications of teachers. He reminded that in 2023 this amount was 100 million hryvnias, so this year investments in the development of educators increased, which testifies to the importance of quality pedagogical training.
As the minister stated, one of the key challenges of modern education is ensuring the safety of children and teachers. To this end, 6.2 billion hryvnias have been allocated for the construction of shelters and underground schools, which will make it possible to create a safe environment for learning even in regions close to the war zone. Lisovyi said that together with the funds that were sent to the communities at the end of last year, it is planned to build more than 170 shelters and schools with underground classrooms.
Lisovyi emphasized that another important issue is providing children with hot lunches. He said that 2.836 billion hryvnias are earmarked for free meals for primary school students. An additional 960 million hryvnias will be directed to the construction and modernization of kitchens in school canteens, which will improve the quality of food and make it available to more students.
According to the minister, in order to implement the concept of the New Ukrainian School (NUS), the state will invest significant funds in the renovation of classrooms. He said that 2 billion hryvnias are planned for the purchase of new equipment for classrooms, which will provide a higher quality and more modern educational environment.
Lisovyi said that for many children, especially in rural areas, access to school is a serious problem. To solve this issue, 1.6 billion hryvnias have been allocated for the purchase of school buses. Lisovyi recalled that in 2023, 418 buses were purchased, and by September 1, 2024, it is planned to purchase another 600 units of transport. He emphasized that together with the support of international partners, the government is moving towards the complete closure of the need for school transport.
As Lisovy noted, the modernization of vocational education is an important step towards the creation of a competitive labor market. For this purpose, 540 million hryvnias have been allocated for updating workshops and laboratories in vocational and technical education institutions. The Minister noted that in 2024, it is planned to open 100 new workshops in various areas of training, and in 2025 – the same number. Thus, in two years, half of the need for equipping professional engineering will be covered.
Separately, Lisovyi drew attention to the importance of fire safety in educational institutions. 500 million hryvnias have been earmarked for this. In addition, 304 million hryvnias are aimed at supporting the education of children with special educational needs, which allows to ensure equal access to education for all children, regardless of their capabilities.
As Lisovyi emphasized, the invested funds not only improve the quality of the educational process, but also create safe conditions for children and teachers. He summarized that education is the basis for the development of human capital, and despite all the difficulties, the country is moving forward, implementing the necessary reforms and investing in the future of its citizens.
However, in the comments following Lisovoy’s speech, Ukrainians expressed themselves sharply, criticizing the insufficient financing of education, low salaries of teachers and the lack of real changes in the system, stating that it is in decline.
Screenshot: www.facebook.com/oksenlisovyi Screenshot: www.facebook.com/oksenlisovyi
