On 13 June, experts from the “Education on Local and Regional Level” team of the Polaris Programme carried out a working visit to Kozelets settlement hromada in Chernihiv oblast. The visit was part of the Programme’s ongoing work to strengthen hromadas’ capacity in education management.
The visit programme included an address to the deputies of the Kozelets settlement council, a visit to Bileiky Lyceum, where an in-depth discussion took place with educators, students, and parents from rural lyceums of the hromada.
Education at the Centre of Hromada’s Attention
During the visit, the expert team had the opportunity to study how education management decisions are made in Kozelets hromada, how access and quality of educational services are ensured, and how educational institutions and teaching staff are supported.
“Ensuring the quality of education is impossible without building an effective network of institutions, efficient use of financial resources, and strong performance by teachers. And at the centre of the entire education system of the hromada must always be the student,” said Serhii Djatlenko, education expert of the Polaris Programme.
During the meeting with education stakeholders at Bileiky Lyceum, current challenges related to the implementation of education reforms were discussed, including teacher shortages, optimisation of school networks, implementation of new education standards, ensuring inclusiveness, and safety in the learning environment.
Partnership for Sustainable Education Development
The Programme experts emphasised the importance of data-driven education management based on analysis and the involvement of all stakeholders.
“A strong hromada is one that is not afraid to face facts, calculate resources, and openly discuss development options for education. Partnership between hromada leadership, educators, and parents allows finding solutions that truly work for children,” highlighted Oleh Fasolia, Team Leader of the “Education on Local and Regional Level” team.
The visit to Kozelets hromada marked another step in the Programme’s ongoing support for hromadas in developing a modern and effective educational network within the framework of the upper secondary school reform.
