The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has introduced a Certificate for the Preservation of Ukrainian National Identity for children of Ukrainian communities abroad. The certificate is intended to recognize children's active participation in the Ukrainian cultural and educational environment and encourage them to maintain their connection with the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions.
The procedure for issuing the certificate is established by the Instruction approved by Order of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine No. 469 of September 16, 2026, as amended by Order No. 480 of September 24, 2026.
The certificate may be awarded to children of Ukrainian communities under the age of 16 who meet at least one of the following criteria:
Use the Ukrainian language as one of the key elements of their Ukrainian identity;
Regularly attend a Ukrainian cultural and educational centre, Saturday/Sunday school or children's camps for Ukrainians abroad to learn about the Ukrainian language, literature, history, culture and national traditions;
Actively participate in events organized by the Ukrainian community, cultural and educational centre or school aimed at preserving Ukrainian national identity and promoting the Ukrainian language, literature, culture, history and traditions;
Actively participate in cultural and artistic events, celebrations, Ukrainian song and poetry concerts, competitions, contests or Olympiads in Ukrainian studies subjects;
Actively participate in national and patriotic education projects dedicated to public holidays, commemorative dates, honouring and maintaining memorial sites associated with prominent Ukrainian figures and historical events.
The decision to issue a certificate is made by the head of a Ukrainian diplomatic mission abroad on the basis of a request submitted by the head of a Ukrainian community organization abroad, a cultural and educational centre, or a Saturday/Sunday school operating under such an organization.
The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria invites relevant organizations, centres and schools to submit nominations for children to the following email address: [email protected].
For the consideration of nominations, please indicate the child's first and last name in Ukrainian, date of birth, a brief justification demonstrating compliance with one or more of the criteria, and the contact details of the organization.
Parents who wish to initiate the nomination of their child may contact the head of the relevant organization, centre or school.
Certificates are presented in a formal ceremony. The certificate is of an honorary and encouraging nature and does not entitle its holder to any benefits or privileges.