eBook program for young people launched in Ukraine

Deputy Minister of Culture Halyna Hryhorenko reported in a conversation with Interfax-Ukraine that her ministry launched an eBook program last Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. Its purpose will be to provide financial aid for 18-year-old Ukrainians to buy books.

“Bookstores are actively preparing to participate in the program,” Hryhorenko said.

Young Ukrainians who turn 18 years old in 2024 or 2025 will be eligible to receive UAH 908 (around USD 22) to buy books online. Money can be spent on books in Ukrainian from publishers who have joined the program. The list of bookstores and publishers can be found on the website of the Ukrainian Book Institute.

To receive money, would-be participants should select an eligible eBook service through the Diia app, follow the appropriate link, open a virtual bank account, and submit an application.

When the application is approved, money will be credited to the eBook bank account. eBook grants are to be used within three months. According to program administrators, parents of newborn children will receive similar financial aid. However, this provision will come into effect only a year after the end of martial law.

Participants will be on a first-come-first-serve basis; financial aid for the purchase of books for young Ukrainians will be provided as long as limited funding exists for the program in the state budget.  

Main image: Shutterstock

Copy editing: Ben Angel