Dear colleagues and friends!

I congratulate you on this special and awesome holiday – the New Year and Christmas!

Traditionally, on the eve of New Year holidays we remember the last year and cherish the hope that the next year will bring us much joy, faith, health to our family and friends, success in our work, happiness in life and wealth in our country.

This year has been eventful in terms of professional achievements and hard work. The President and the Government understand that choosing the way of the European integration the Ukrainian society must constantly learn, acquire and use the knowledge, compete with developed countries to become a scientifically developed European country.

Thus we confidently continue to modernize the Ukrainian education which is proved by the definite achievements. The 2013 was the year of reforms in all the spheres of education: several strategic documents were approved, the network of primary schools was expanded, new standards for elementary, secondary and vocational education were introduced, school textbooks and buses were provided, the system of admission of young people to higher educational establishments was improved and favorable conditions for the promotion of Ukrainian education abroad were created.

So I wish 2014 to become a good continuation of all plans and initiatives.

I am convinced that despite the kaleidoscope of rapid events in the country our hearts will always retain the true values such as compassion, dignity, honor, friendship, faith and love. Let the Christmas Star unite us because the key to success in Ukraine is the social harmony, constructive dialogue and mutual respect for each other.

I want you to celebrate the New Year and Christmas in a good mood with bright thoughts, optimism, good hopes and faith in yourselves. Have a fabulous New Year celebrations in Ukrainian homes full of joy, peace, kindness, sincere communication, family comfort, children's laughter, bright feeling of happiness and love.

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!

All the best,
Dmytro Tabachnyk,                                                        Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine