Currently, millions of Ukrainian children are studying abroad, which is connected both with the military events in Ukraine and with the forced migration of their families. This process is often accompanied by significant problems, in particular, a double workload, the need to adapt to the new educational system and at the same time maintain a connection with Ukrainian education. Children who are forced to attend foreign schools often study remotely in Ukrainian institutions at the same time, which creates additional burden and stress. In addition, there is a problem of recognition of educational results obtained abroad, which can make it difficult to return to study in Ukraine.
To solve these issues, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a draft law that recognizes the results of Ukrainian children’s education abroad. This document, authored by Serhiy Babak, chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Education, Science and Innovation, was supported unanimously.
«The draft law should simplify the mechanism for recognizing the results of Ukrainian children’s studies abroad and, ultimately, will contribute to the protection of their rights to a full general secondary education and their return to Ukraine.» — noted the People’s Deputy.
The main goal of the draft law is to simplify the mechanism of recognition of foreign education for Ukrainian children, which will allow them to return to study in Ukraine without hindrance. It also protects their right to complete general secondary education, regardless of where they are temporarily located.
The document addresses two key issues. First, it provides legal grounds for recognizing the results of education of children educated outside of Ukraine (the exception is the aggressor country). Secondly, it legalizes educational centers abroad that provide educational services to Ukrainian children, including Ukrainian schools, Saturday and Sunday schools, and public organizations.
The importance of this law cannot be overestimated. First, it will help Ukrainian children to maintain a close connection with the national education system, which is important for maintaining their identity and future return. Secondly, the state will have the opportunity to quickly create a network of Ukrainian educational and cultural centers abroad, which will contribute to the formation of a powerful diaspora educational infrastructure.
Thus, the adoption of this draft law is an important step in supporting children who are forced to stay abroad. It not only simplifies administrative processes, but also enables the Ukrainian state to actively support its citizens abroad, providing them with access to quality education and a cultural environment.
