SASKATCHEWAN TO RENEW EDUCATION AGREEMENT WITH CHERNIVTSI OBLAST

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz is leaving for Ukraine tomorrow to renew an education agreement between Saskatchewan and Chernivtsi Oblast, a region in western Ukraine. Since the agreement for co-operation in Education was first signed in 1991, Saskatchewan and Chernivtsi Oblast have collaborated on education-related activities including student exchanges, curriculum enrichment, language support and professional development.

"The invitation from the Chernivtsi Oblast Ministry of Education and Science to continue this agreement demonstrates the mutual benefit that comes from promoting education ties," Krawetz said. "The exchange of knowledge and increased understanding of both countries is particularly important since nearly 14 per cent of Saskatchewan's population is of Ukrainian heritage and our province continues to welcome Ukrainian immigrants."

"Our educational ties with Ukraine have an important impact on our province that extends to international trade and investment, particularly in the knowledge and research sector," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Rob Norris said. "The renewal of this agreement will be a very positive step in the development and strengthening of our province's relationship with Ukraine."

During the week-long visit, the Deputy Premier will meet with the National Ministry of Education in Kyiv, the Chernivtsi Oblast Ministry of Education, and the high school and post-secondary institutions that participate in exchanges with Saskatchewan. As well, meetings are scheduled with representatives from the Facility for Agricultural Reform and Modernization (FARM) Program that supports Ukraine's agricultural endeavours in a market economy. The Deputy Premier will also be placing a wreath at the Holodomor monument in Kyiv to honour the memory of those who perished in the 1932-1933 famine and genocide.

The education agreement builds on numerous education and government agreements since 1977 that have encouraged increased collaboration between Ukraine and Saskatchewan on projects such as health system management, farm management and improvements for power utilities in Ukraine.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca