State and municipal educational institutions cannot demand mandatory charitable contributions from parents. This was stated by the educational ombudsman Natalia Leshchik.
Ukrainian legislation guarantees the right to free secondary education for every child. Therefore, educational institutions should not demand payment from students or create conflicting situations because of this.
If parents want to financially support the school, it is better to do so through the official accounts of the institution. This ensures transparency in the use of funds. The school should also publicly report on the use of these funds.
Unfavorable approach to charity from school administration violates the law - Natalia Leshchik
The ombudsman warned against transferring money through charitable organizations, as this does not guarantee targeted use of funds for the needs of the school. If the school administration creates a negative atmosphere due to parents’ refusal to pay, it is advisable to seek help from the appropriate authorities.
- Founder of the school (local education authority)
- Police or other law enforcement agencies
- Educational ombudsman
Every family has the right to freely choose when it comes to charity, and no educational institution can demand or threaten in case of refusal. This violates the law, emphasized Natalia Leshchik.
It should be noted that starting from 2027, the State Final Certification in the form of external independent evaluation will be mandatory for 4th grades in Ukraine.
Ombudsman Natalia Leshchik reminded that the law does not allow educational institutions to demand mandatory charitable contributions from parents. In case of conflicting situations regarding the violation of this principle, it is recommended to contact the appropriate authorities to protect their rights and uphold legality in the field of education.