Victor Yushchenko presented state awards to Ukraine’s best
educators yesterday, President's press office reported.
In his speech, the President said the role of pedagogues in
society was immensely important, “for teachers mould outlooks and values of
their pupils.”
“I am convinced the most important goal of any school is to
bring up citizens. You must teach children to love their motherland and be proud
of being citizens of their country,” he said.
Yushchenko opined that good education was a key to progress
of any nation, helping it face challenges.
“We must be Europe’s most educated nation,” he said.
Ukraine's Head of State said the government had introduced
independent testing at schools to fairly evaluate knowledge and root out
corruption. He added that the cabinet had also established scholarships and
prizes to honor the most gifted students and teachers.
He said the welfare of Ukrainian educators was improving and
hopes they will earn as much as industrial workers in a couple of years.
Yushchenko explained that his kind attitude toward teachers
was due to his origin, for he “was born into a family of teachers and saw this
hard work.”
“I think this profession is holy,” he said, wishing those
present a happy Teacher’s Day, which is celebrated on October 1, success and
“generous fruits of their tireless labor.”
Ukraine’s Education Minister Stanislav Nikolayenko attended the
award ceremony.
