We believe after deoccupation, relocated universities should return to their cities – Dpty Minister of Education Trofymenko
Deputy Minister of Education and Science Mykola Trofymenko believes that after deoccupation, relocated higher education institutions should return to their cities.
"We actually have a lot of relocated universities. Some moved in 2014, and a larger wave moved in 2022. I see the potential for the restoration of our territories in relocated universities. Their task is to preserve their regional and territorial identity. They should become centers that nourish the mental resilience of citizens who left these territories. They should act as active hubs and centers of public service. We believe that they should return. Our cities should be rebuilt around universities," said Trofymenko in an exclusive interview with Interfax-Ukraine when asked whether relocated universities would return to their original locations after deoccupation or if these universities would remain where they are now.
He noted that the state is currently doing a lot to support relocated universities because they are having a very difficult time.
"When you lose everything and your people are displaced, you have to think not only about quality, the environment, values, and strategies, but also about everyday things: where we will live, what we will eat, how we will teach—preferably offline—at least some of the students, how we will store information, and how we will ensure the various processes of university life. Therefore, our task is to provide this mechanism and opportunity to them," the deputy minister added.
When asked what will happen to teachers and university administrators in the deoccupied territories and if they will be able to work in the Ukrainian education system, Trofymenko noted that collaborators are sentenced for spreading and imposing Russian education standards.
"In other words, we must act according to the law here. Of course, history, particularly regarding Germany, shows that there are long-term projects involving reconciliation. But it is too early for us to talk about this. First, let the deoccupation take place, and then we will think about what to do with these people. I think that, by the time we return to Mariupol, they will no longer be there," he added.
In August, the Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Olena Ivanovska, stated that, in her opinion, there will be no need to adopt transitional language legislation for the deoccupied territories.