Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has said there is a need to settle the issue of the preschool education of children older than five years.
"Tensions have appeared in society concerning the issue of the compulsory preschool education of children older than five years. The tensions have to be removed by means of clear, transparent and understandable actions by the authorities," the president said.
The president said the innovations had caused a negative reaction from the public due to the lack of kindergartens. He also noted a shortage of teaching materials for training preschool children.
Yanukovych cited statistics according to which the system of kindergartens in Ukraine can cater for only about 56% of the country’s children, while in Europe the figure reaches almost 100%.
According to the president, over 1,200 kindergartens in Ukraine need improvements, and some regions need new kindergartens.
Yanukovych ordered the education minister to report on the implementation of a state targeted program on preschool education at a meeting of the public humanitarian council.
