While on a working trip to Bukovyna, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a solemn meeting of the academic council of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University to celebrate the 145th anniversary of the university.
"It is a great honor to be here today and to share with you this joy of a significant holiday for all: for Chernivtsi, for Bukovyna and for all our independent Ukraine. 145 years ago an event took place that radically changed the lives of the inhabitants of your beautiful Bukovyna region. This is a grand opening of the university, which was then called Franz-Josephs-Universität Czernowitz," the President noted.
The President quoted the words of the first rector of the university, Doctor of Law Kostiantyn Tomashchuk, who noted that no opportunity provided by the state is perceived by the people with such gratitude as the opportunity to get an education.
"145 years have passed and we know that nothing has changed. Educated, smart, talented citizens are a foundation for the existence of Ukraine, for the existence of the state, without which it can be neither strong nor successful," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
He noted that Chernivtsi National University is often called the Ukrainian Hogwarts due to its beautiful and magical architecture, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Therefore, according to the President, Ukrainian educators are real magicians.
"Despite the fact that education has not been a priority for the state for a long time - and we must admit this truth - you did your job, a miracle, taught us all, brought up talented graduates who are known not only in Ukraine, Europe, but also in the whole world," the Head of State noted.
"I can assure you that we are doing everything to make our education finally feel its strategic importance for Ukraine and for every Ukrainian," Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed.
The President also noted that in Ukraine there are incredible students who are always the driving force of change and the movement forward of the state.
He wished Chernivtsi National University prosperity and many years of activity.
In addition, the Head of State offered to include the renovation of the university building in the program "Great Construction" in culture for the next year.
"We are ready to help. We have the second part of our program "Great Construction", where we pay attention and (envisage - ed.) substantial funding for architectural memory, the heritage of our country, museums, universities. That is why you will definitely be included in this program,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured.
