Over the past two years, the total state budget for education has increased by 40%.
This was stated by the Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi during the government Q&A session in the Verkhovna Rada, as reported by Ukrinform.
“Significant amounts of money are currently being allocated and invested in education, record amounts, despite the war and financial challenges. Over the past two years, the total state budget for education has increased by 40%: from 143 billion to 199 billion UAH. Such attention to education has never been seen before,” Lisovyi said.
He pointed out that the largest portion of the education budget is allocated to the salaries of teachers, who work under extremely difficult conditions. In total, this amounts to 115 billion UAH, including an additional 12 billion UAH for supplements to at least partially increase the level of teachers’ salaries. According to him, as a result, the total amount of funds allocated for teachers’ salaries has increased by 12%.
Lisovyi further noted that 150 million UAH has been allocated for improving the professional qualifications of teachers, an important part of the educational reform. Last year, this grant within the framework of the New Ukrainian School (NUS) was 100 million UAH. Additionally, 6.2 billion UAH has been allocated for creating a safe educational environment, including the construction of shelters and underground schools.
He also mentioned that 2.836 billion UAH has been allocated for free meals for primary school children. Furthermore, 1.6 billion UAH has been allocated for the purchase of school buses, which will primarily ensure access to education for students in rural areas.
“A total of 540 million UAH will go towards modernizing workshops and laboratories in vocational education institutions. The work we started last year is already yielding practical results. We are opening 100 workshops across various fields of study. At least as many will be built this year,” the Minister said.
Lisovyi added that 500 million UAH has been allocated for upgrading fire protection systems in educational institutions, and 304 million UAH for an important subsidy to ensure education for people with special educational needs.
As reported by Ukrinform, the Ministry of Education and Science has started updating the State Standard for Primary Education.
Source: Education budget increases by 40% in two years – minister
