At the initiative of First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal, in cooperation with the Osvitoria team, a new “Teacher Defender” category was established as part of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine.

Denys Shmyhal also initiated the reinstatement of eligibility for teachers who joined Ukraine’s defence forces from 2014 onwards and are still serving or have returned from the front line to teaching.

The first winner of the category was Oleksandr Volodymyrovych Chuchaiev, a history and law teacher and school principal who serves as a captain and commands a company of unmanned aerial systems in a mechanised battalion of the 41st Separate Mechanised Brigade, 16th Army Corps, Operational Command North, Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“Teacher Defenders combine two important missions: defending the country today and preparing a better tomorrow for it. Taking on this dual responsibility and honourably fulfilling their duty is true heroism. I thank all our heroes for this — every one of them, and especially our Teacher Defenders!” the Minister of Energy noted.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, Denys Shmyhal presented 20 nominees with Ministry of Defence of Ukraine awards and a special gift from the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine.

“Ukraine is very fortunate that people like these are part of our great struggle for freedom,” added First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Energy.