During the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities under the President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine, the Donetsk Regional Military Administration, and the Zakarpattia Regional Military Administration signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. The event took place on April 9 in Uzhhorod.

The document formalizes joint efforts to support vocational and professional pre-higher education institutions relocated from Donetsk region, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities. The initiative focuses on ensuring the continuity of the educational process, strengthening institutional capacity, and facilitating faster integration of displaced individuals into new communities.

“Relocated educational institutions must function fully — with proper facilities, dormitories, workshops, modern equipment, and partnerships with employers. When a community hosts such an institution, it gains a center for education, reskilling, integration of IDPs, and workforce development for the local economy,” said Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi.

The Memorandum provides for support in relocating educational institutions from Donetsk region, including assistance with premises for academic buildings, training workshops, and dormitories, as well as strengthening their material and technical base. A separate focus is placed on establishing modern training and practical centers, workshops, and laboratories aligned with labor market needs.

Another key priority is enhancing cooperation between educational institutions, local authorities, and businesses. This is expected to expand opportunities for dual education, internships, hands-on training, short-term programs tailored to specific labor market demands, and further employment of graduates. The goal is to ensure that institutions train professionals where they are most needed — in local communities and economies.

Special attention is also given to social and living conditions for staff of relocated institutions and their families. This includes temporary housing, access to social infrastructure, and the development of educational, administrative, and social services, as well as the integration of IDPs into host communities.

The Memorandum also opens opportunities for joint infrastructure solutions — from accommodating displaced persons to developing social housing and essential facilities for communities hosting large numbers of IDPs.

The signing of the Memorandum is part of the national initiative “Side by Side: Cohesive Communities,” launched by the President of Ukraine. For the education system, it represents another important mechanism to sustain institutions, teams, and students, while providing host communities with new development opportunities rather than additional burdens.

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