New Legislation on Volunteering in Education
The President of Ukraine has signed a new law aimed at promoting volunteering among students. One of the main features allows volunteering to be counted as practical experience in educational institutions.
This information is detailed in document card No. 11159.
The bill was submitted for consideration back in April 2024. The authors emphasized that these changes are necessary to formalize volunteering in Ukraine, transforming it into a systematic approach.
The explanatory note states that volunteering provides young people with the opportunity to enhance their skills and gain practical experience.
"According to Article 434 of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, one of the tasks of the Ukrainian state is to support youth in acquiring knowledge, skills, and professional competencies outside the educational system, particularly through volunteering, and to recognize the value of such experience," the authors noted.
Volunteering allows youth to develop their abilities and gain practical experience, which is beneficial not only for further educational pursuits but also for entering the job market.
Now, volunteer experience can influence admission to educational institutions, as it can be included in the applicant's motivation letter. Candidates may add copies of documents that verify their involvement.
The law also allows for volunteer activity time to be counted as practical experience (if it aligns with the educational program of the institution, subject to the institution's agreement).
Volunteers will be issued a certificate confirming their participation in volunteer activities by civic, charitable, or volunteer organizations.