The federal state of Hesse in Germany is introducing Ukrainian as a second foreign language in schools to make it easier for children from Ukraine to pass the Abitur graduation exams. This was reported by n-tv.
Ukrainian children have to learn not only German, but also English and another foreign language to be able to pass the Abitur final exams. From now on, Hesse will be the first federal state to simplify this procedure for Ukrainian refugees by introducing Ukrainian as a second foreign language.
Although schools in other federal states also have language programs to teach Ukrainian, it is not a mandatory second language.
Hesse’s Minister of Culture Armin Schwarz noted that the introduction of the Ukrainian language in German schools is a “clear sign of solidarity” with Ukraine. Foreign Minister Manfred Penz added that this is a contribution to the preservation of Ukrainian identity and culture.
“We don’t want to uproot Ukrainian refugees, we don’t want to cut them off from their homeland, but rather build a bridge for their return to Ukraine,” emphasized Penz.
According to the Hessian Ministry of Culture, about 20,000 students and more than 300 teachers who fled Ukraine currently live in this land.
