The education ombudsman declared the illegality of mandatory contributions in schools.

According to inkorr.com: State and municipal educational institutions cannot demand mandatory charitable contributions from parents. This was stated by the education ombudsman Natalia Leshchik.

In Ukraine, the legislation guarantees the right to free secondary education for all children, therefore educational institutions should not collect money from students or create conflict situations on this issue.

If parents want to financially support the school, they can do so through the official accounts of the educational institution. This will ensure transparency of expenses. Additionally, the school must publicly report on the use of the received funds.

An unfavorable approach to charity by the school administration violates the law - Natalia Leshchik

The ombudsman urged parents to avoid transferring funds through charitable organizations, as this does not guarantee the targeted use of money for the needs of the school. In case the administration creates a negative atmosphere due to parents' refusal to contribute, it is advisable to contact the relevant authorities.

• School Founder (local education authority)
• Police or other law enforcement agencies
• Education ombudsman

Each family has the right to make free choices regarding charity, and no educational institution can demand or threaten in case of refusal. This is a violation of the law, emphasized Natalia Leshchik.

It is also worth remembering that starting from 2027, the State final certification in the form of external independent evaluation will become mandatory for 4th-grade students in Ukraine.

Ombudsman Natalia Leshchik reiterated that educational institutions have no right to demand mandatory charitable contributions from parents. In the event of conflicts, it is recommended to contact the relevant authorities to protect their rights and maintain legality in the education sector.

This call from the ombudsman underscores the importance of adhering to legislation in the education sphere and protecting the rights of parents and students. Changes in charity approaches can significantly affect the learning process and the atmosphere in schools, so parents should be attentive and informed about their rights.