It is imperative for Ukraine, together with the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC), to exert maximum efforts in bolstering policies facilitating the return of Ukrainians to their homeland, emphasized UWC President Paul Grod in an interview with Radio Liberty.
“I think it is not normal that there are more Ukrainians abroad than in Ukraine. And we must do everything possible to strengthen the policy of returning Ukrainians,” Paul Grod said.
It is vital to create a Ukrainian context for Ukrainians abroad – particularly through education, the UWC President explains.
“And the most difficult thing is to work so that those children who live abroad receive a Ukrainian education so that they do not lose their language so that they do not lose their level of knowledge in the Ukrainian educational system. Because if this happens, then the children will not agree to return. If the children do not agree to return, the parents will leave Ukraine. That’s why we have to start with such elementary things as education to provide full education for Ukrainians abroad. And we are talking with the Ministry of Education of Ukraine to work out such a program,” Paul Grod said.
The issue of education of Ukrainians abroad was one of the key topics during the visit of the UWC delegation to Ukraine on November 23-27. In particular, the UWC President discussed it at a meeting with the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi. In the meeting, the UWC President presented a range of suggestions from educational committees and international communities to enhance educational initiatives overseas. Additionally, Paul Grod advocated for the creation of new educational networks.
At the same time, many Ukrainians who left received either citizenship or some kind of residency abroad. Therefore, it is necessary to create a program of dual or multiple citizenship; the relevant legislation is also imperative, the UWC President emphasized.
“We are working with the Verkhovna Rada [Ukraine’s Parliament] and the President’s Office to ensure a normal level of legislation regarding multiple citizenships,” Paul Grod said.
Lastly is the provision of jobs, added the UWC President. “People will return to Ukraine when they know they will have economic security. If they know they can get a good job in Ukraine, they will return,” Paul Grod concluded.
Read the full text of the interview at the link.
