Meeting of Students with the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine

On 13 November 2025, students and school pupils of the Zaporizhzhia region, including learners of Berdyansk State Pedagogical University, had the honour of meeting the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi. The location for the meeting was chosen quite successfully — the multifunctional shelter-space Nezamny Hub. The atmosphere was completely comfortable and informal.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with the younger generation the prospects for the development of education, the challenges of youth employment, and the relevance of introducing innovative approaches to shaping a modern educational environment. Another important issue raised during the discussion was the long-standing concern regarding teachers’ salaries in state educational institutions — a topic that sparked the greatest interest among students.

Mr. Oksen showed genuine interest in students’ ideas and the challenges they currently face in the learning environment. In addition, the Minister shared the strategy “10 Steps to Improve Education Quality”, aimed at achieving an average national multi-subject test score among applicants in the Zaporizhzhia region.

It is no secret that on this day the Minister of Education and the President of Ukraine also visited the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia as honoured guests at the opening of another underground school. Modern conditions require not only high-quality knowledge but also safety, which is why the creation of such educational institutions is a kind of Ukrainian breakthrough. Similar facilities should be established throughout the entire country — this issue was also part of the discussion.

In general, a considerable number of social and educational problems were raised, and unfortunately, many of them remain unresolved. Of course, the student community did not expect to solve all their issues within two hours of communication with the Minister, but it was reassuring that everyone who wished to voice their concerns was heard.

In my opinion, such meetings inspire learning, because it was the students — not the teachers — who were invited to discuss pressing issues. In such moments, you feel not just a higher-education student, but an important individual who is a valuable part of a large, civilized society.

Aliona Neizzhala