The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and Oschadbank Have Signed a Memorandum of Cooperation as Part of the “Language of Dignity” Project

Ukraine remains committed to systematically implementing the principles of accessibility in the educational environment. In particular, this involves not only ensuring physical accessibility but also fostering a culture of interaction, where respect for human dignity, proper communication, equal opportunities, and freedom from prejudice are prioritized. One practical tool for addressing these topics in schools is the “Language of Dignity” educational project.

On September 22, during the National Education Forum in Kyiv, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and Oschadbank signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, which provides for the further development and systematic implementation of the project in comprehensive secondary schools.

“Accessibility in education is, first and foremost, a cross-cutting principle that must run through the entire education system – from creating accessible spaces for everyone to fostering a culture of mutual respect and support in interactions with children and among peers. The government is consistently integrating these approaches into educational policy, but large-scale changes always require collaborative efforts. The business community, civil society, and experts can reinforce government decisions with their experience and help disseminate best practices. We hope that such collaboration will help scale up the developed approaches and further integrate the principles of barrier-free communication and the language of dignity into the educational environment,” said Andrii Butenko, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine.

The “Language of Dignity” project helps educators discuss human dignity, diversity, equal opportunities, and barrier-free communication with kids and teens, using real-life scenarios they encounter in their daily lives rather than abstract concepts. Its goal is to provide educators with practical tools for fostering a culture of respect in the classroom and school environment.

The first fruit of this collaboration was the “Language of Dignity” activity kit for students in grades 5–9. This kit allows teachers to select exercises themselves based on the students’ ages, the classroom environment, and the time available for the lesson. The materials include quizzes, quests, discussions, and reflection exercises.

The next stage involves the broader implementation of these materials in comprehensive secondary schools and support for teachers in using them. The Ministry of Education and Science will provide organizational and methodological support, ensure the integration of the materials into the educational process, and foster the development of relevant competencies among teachers. Oschadbank will contribute to scaling up the project, in particular through expert support, engaging partners, and conducting educational events.

“Oschadbank has over 12 years of practical experience implementing barrier-free initiatives – from adapting banking infrastructure and services to fostering an inclusive culture. But accessibility isn’t just about the accessibility of the environment or services. It’s also about how we treat one another, and this culture is formed from childhood. That’s why we remain committed to our ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Science, educators, experts, and partners to ensure the “Language of Dignity” project progresses and is implemented in schools. It is crucial for us that respect for human dignity, equal opportunities, and barrier-free communication become part of children’s daily lives,” said Anton Tiutiun, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Oschadbank.

The development of the “Language of Dignity” project and accessibility in education is being implemented as part of the National Accessibility Strategy, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. This project has already included a themed nationwide lesson held in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and UNICEF, with the support of Tetiana Lomakina, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for a Barrier-Free Environment, and Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor – Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and Child Rehabilitation. The teaching materials were prepared by EdEra, the Center for Social Change and Behavioral Economics, and Oschadbank.