Ukraine is preparing to launch a new state assistance programme for families with young children called ‘єЯсла’. This was announced by Lyudmila Shemelinets, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity, during a speech at the Serpneva educational conference organised by the Ministry of Education and Science.
According to her, the main goal of this initiative is to help parents combine raising children with their professional activities. This is especially relevant for women, as according to the Ministry, 44% of Ukrainian women have no professional experience after giving birth. Only half of women raising children aged 3 to 5 are employed, while among those who do not have children of this age, the figure is over 70%.
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The ‘yeYasla’ programme is provided for in a draft law that the Verkhovna Rada already adopted in the first reading on 19 August. One of the parents who cared for the child and returned to work or study will be entitled to receive assistance. The final amount and mechanism of payments will be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
Currently, the Ministry of Social Policy proposes to set the assistance at UAH 8,000 per month for a child, and up to UAH 16,000 for children with disabilities. The funds can be used for the services of a nanny, an assistant for a child with special educational needs, or a private kindergarten.
Lyudmila Shemelinets emphasised that the initiative is part of Ukraine’s Demographic Development Strategy until 2040. According to her, the first investments in the country’s future begin with preschool education, and the state must create conditions for families to ensure the harmonious development of their children.
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