On 3 June, a working meeting was held in Kyiv to discuss improving the regulatory framework for organising the educational process for learners from occupied, de-occupied, and frontline territories of Ukraine. The event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, associations of local self-government bodies, military-civil administrations, hromada leaders, and experts from the Swedish-Ukrainian programme Polaris: Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine.
The meeting continued a systemic multilevel dialogue supported by the Polaris programme, aiming to strengthen cooperation between central authorities, local self-government bodies, and other stakeholders in the education sector.
Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Nadiia Kuzmichova, presented the Ministry’s comprehensive position on organising the educational process during martial law. She emphasised that no child living in temporarily occupied territories will be deprived of the right to Ukrainian education:
“Our key task is to make education accessible for every child, depending on where and in what conditions they live. At the same time, this education must remain high-quality, modern, and adapted to the challenges of wartime. That is why the Ministry is conducting a comprehensive review of approaches to organising the educational process. In particular, we have submitted for public discussion proposed amendments to regulations on distance learning, individual support, student transfers, and assessment. We are taking into account the needs of every category of learners – from those in temporarily occupied territories, abroad, or hromadas with varying security levels – to ensure that no child is excluded from the educational process.”
Thanks to support from the Polaris programme, representatives of hromadas from affected regions had a direct opportunity to present their vision for necessary legislative changes to the Ministry. This dialogue makes it possible to shape policies that respond to the real challenges and needs on the ground – especially in conditions of war and ongoing security threats.
“At Polaris, we believe that only through joint efforts from all involved stakeholders can education continue to develop, even during war. We deeply appreciate the efforts of everyone who supports the educational process each day – from teachers and school leadership to hromada representatives and national institutions. This cooperation helps preserve the educational environment, adapt it to new challenges, and keep children at the centre. We are convinced that open dialogue between all levels of government is the foundation for sustainable solutions,” – stated Susanna Dellans, Head of the Polaris Programme Team and SALAR International Representative in Ukraine.
Ihor Hnatusha, Deputy Head of the All-Ukrainian Association of Communities, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Office, Head of the Health Care Platform, and Head of the Komysh-Zoryanska Hromada, summarised the outcomes of the meeting:
“This important meeting was divided into two parts: discussion of changes to the Ministry of Education’s Order No. 1112 and the establishment of ongoing communication with the Ministry and an expert-monitoring group created by our Association. This group includes representatives from the All-Ukrainian Association of Communities as well as other local government associations. From now on, this monitoring group will work on a permanent basis to develop joint positions and find solutions to improve the learning process and ensure access to education for our children.”
This was the second meeting held in this format. During the previous one, in December 2024, Polaris experts presented proposals on organising the educational process in contexts of occupation, de-occupation, and in frontline hromadas. Some of these proposals have already been implemented, while others are still being developed.
The Polaris programme will continue to support open cooperation among all levels of governance to ensure quality education for every child in Ukraine – regardless of where in the country they live.
