Safe Learning Environment Is a Priority in Ukrainian Education

The war has raised issues of accessibility and security of education. Many children have lost the opportunity to join the educational process, and teachers have been teaching in regions where hostilities are taking place or may potentially take place under the threat of shelling. Such conditions require serious planning of educational processes and ensuring proper learning conditions in times of war. 

The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine emphasizes that during martial law, the priority in education is to create safe learning conditions. Determining the format of classes in educational institutions, the life and health of Ukrainians is a priority.

In accordance with Article 571 of the Law of Ukraine "On Education", in conditions of martial law or an emergency situation, students and teachers, regardless of their location, are guaranteed the right to use distance learning or any other form of organization of the educational process that is the safest.

In the 2023/2024 academic year, the work of general secondary education institutions may be organized in full-time, remote or mixed modes. Such decisions are made locally by the heads of educational institutions, the Regional Military Administration and the Kyiv Regional City Military Administration. 

When determining the format of the educational process, it is necessary to take into account the availability and quality of security conditions that the educational institution can provide.

During the organization of the educational process, both in-person, remote or mixed forms, in the event of the announcement of the "Air Alert" signal or other warning signals, it is necessary to interrupt the educational process and go to a safe place where it is possible to continue classes.

As of September 2023, there were almost 13,000 schools in Ukraine, of which more than 80% have already been equipped with shelters. According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, about 7.5 thousand schools operate in a full-time format, 3.8 thousand operate in a mixed format, and 2.5 thousand schools teach exclusively remotely. The main reason why schools work remotely is the lack of shelters.

Only 55% of public kindergartens are equipped with shelters.

Priority to construct shelters in schools and kindergartens is given to the frontline regions so that as many children as possible can attend full-time education there.

The Cabinet of Ministers also raised the issue of other security measures for educational institutions, such as alarms, police protection, and metal detectors.

International Department