UWC and Ukraine’s Education Ministry join forces to strengthen Ukrainian education abroad

KYIV – A major step forward in supporting Ukrainian education beyond the country’s borders took place this week, as Andriy Shevchenko, Head of the UWC Mission in Ukraine, met with Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, and Nadiya Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The high-level meeting focused on expanding cooperation between the UWC’s International Educational Coordinating Council (IECC) and the Ministry of Education and Science (MON) in support of Ukrainian schools around the world. 

A central topic was the recently adopted Law No. 4265-IX, which formally recognizes the educational achievements of Ukrainians living abroad – a significant win for diaspora communities. 

The leaders also reviewed a draft resolution that aims to recognize formal and non-formal education obtained outside Ukraine, as well as plans for an information campaign to raise awareness of Ukrainian education beyond the country’s borders.

One of the meeting standout moments was the ‘Educational Marathon’ — an initiative led by the UWC’s IECC.

The dynamic project features online meetings between diaspora community members, Ukrainian schools and the Ministry of Education and Science, aimed at fostering long-term dialogue, cooperation, and coordination to support the growth of Ukrainian education globally and expand the reach of Ukrainian-language learning abroad.

“The Educational Marathon is a powerful platform for addressing urgent educational needs and priorities,” said Lyuba Lyubchyk, IECC’s chair.

The next session is scheduled for May 5, bringing together educators from weekly Ukrainian schools in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands.

“Teachers and principals of Ukrainian educational centres in the diaspora are warmly invited to join,” Lyubchyk said.

Advance registration is required to participate in this valuable dialogue.