Kremin: Controversial provisions on the use of Ukrainian language removed from the draft law on vocational education

The draft law on vocational education has been revised for the second reading, removing provisions that could pose threats to the functioning of the Ukrainian language in vocational education institutions.

According to Taras Kremin, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, the document was finalised with due regard to language reservations. In particular, provisions that could have restricted the use of the Ukrainian language were removed.

Earlier, Kremin criticised the previous version of the draft law, calling it a threat to the state language. In particular, one of the provisions provided for the possibility of teaching in the languages of national minorities, provided that at least eight applicants support this and the founder of the institution makes a corresponding decision. These were languages that are official in the European Union. However, the draft did not contain requirements for the ethnic origin of students who would be allowed to study in a non-state language.

After revision, these provisions were removed from the text. According to Kremin, the Committee took his comments into account and preserved the leading role of the Ukrainian language in vocational education.

Serhii Babak, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, said the main goal of the new draft law is to make vocational education modern, competitive and attractive.

«We have laid the foundation for a modern model of vocational education aimed at modernising the system and partnering with business, as well as new approaches to financing and management. By doing so, we want to change the public perception and approach to vocational education in general. We want vocational education to become fashionable. This training opened up new opportunities for students and provided them with a practical basis for realising themselves in the profession,» said Babak.

Language Ombudsman Taras Kremin welcomed the decision of the parliamentarians.

«Education today determines what Ukraine will be like tomorrow. Strengthening the Ukrainian-language educational environment is about strengthening national identity and forming a sustainable language culture,» Taras Kremin said.

Earlier, Taras Kremin said that the use of the Ukrainian language in the educational process is decreasing among both students and teachers. He emphasises the need for active action to support the state language.