In Ukraine, there are proposals to limit the Ukrainian language in educational institutions.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted as the basis a draft law on vocational education, which caused a scandal due to limitations on the use of the Ukrainian language in educational institutions.

This was reported by Member of Parliament Iryna Herashchenko.

Herashchenko noted that the draft law was supported by 264 Members of Parliament, including 'servants' and OPZZH.

She also emphasized that, in addition to the right ideas regarding the development of vocational and technical education, the draft law contains a provision restricting the use of the state language during teaching.

'Unfortunately, the draft law introduces a provision limiting the state language during the educational process'

According to the draft law, it is proposed to establish new principles for the development of vocational education and its funding, to popularize vocational and technical education among youth, and to make retraining and reskilling accessible to all at any age. It also states that starting from 2027, the duration of vocational and technical education will be 3 years, and vocational education institutions will gain greater independence in decision-making.

However, Herashchenko emphasized that the draft law contains outrageous linguistic norms. In particular, it proposes the use of minority languages at the level of vocational education. This, according to the MP, contradicts the goals of vocational education, as the working language in Ukraine is Ukrainian. She also noted that studying in the language of minorities is allowed not only for representatives of national minorities but for everyone.

It is worth reminding that earlier, Ukrainian schoolchildren had their summer vacations shortened.

Analysis:

The adoption of the draft law on vocational education, which contains restrictions on the use of the Ukrainian language, has caused a scandal among the public and politicians. Member of Parliament Iryna Herashchenko expressed outrage over the language norms that allow the use of minority languages during teaching. This contradicts the goals of vocational education, as Ukrainian is the working language and documentation language in Ukraine. The only ones who voted against the adoption of this draft law were 'European Solidarity'. Despite the right ideas regarding the development of vocational education, it is necessary to find a compromise and make the draft law more acceptable to all citizens.