President Petro Poroshenko has signed the law "On Education", adopted by the Verkhovna Rada earlier theis month, the press service of the head of state said on 26 September. The adoption of this law will allow for a profound comprehensive educational reform that will improve the quality of education and competitiveness of the younger generation in the labor market, reads the statement.
The reform will provide real steps for the integration of Ukraine in the European educational space.
"This is – one of the most important reforms, because on no other reform, the country's future depend on the education," Petro Poroshenko said as quoted by his press office.
The president especially stressed that the law enhances the role of the state Ukrainian language in the educational process. The law provides equal opportunities for all, because it guarantees each graduate a high level of language proficiency necessary for a successful career in Ukraine.
At the same time the head of state stressed the importance of strict compliance with humanitarian access to education rights of national minorities living on the territory of Ukraine.
"Ukraine has demonstrated and will continue to adhere to such an attitude to the rights of national minorities, which is consistent with our international obligations and is compliant with European standards and is a model for neighboring countries," said Poroshenko.
The president also told Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Education with to conduct necessary consultations with European partners, including the Council of Europe.
On September 5, the Verkhovna Rada approved the law "On Education", which, in particular, regulates the use of the Ukrainian language as the language of instruction.
It provides that children who will go to school next year will be entitled to study in their native languages only in elementary school. Starting from the fifth grade all subjects should be taught in Ukrainian.
A number of countries that have large diasporas in Ukraine have stated concerns over the adoption of this law.