On 19 August, a mini-conference titled “Community Education in Modern Conditions” took place in Nosivka, Chernihiv oblast, organized by the Polaris Programme in partnership with the Nosivka hromada. The event brought together heads of education departments and school principals from Nizhyn rayon — for the first time since the hromadas were formed in 2020.
“This format allowed us to bring together the rayon’s education management in one space for an open conversation about common challenges and solutions. We are convinced: only through cooperation between local authorities and schools can real quality changes be achieved,” emphasized Serhii Dyatlenko, expert on local and regional education with the Polaris Programme.
From Reform to Practice
The programme opened with presentations by Polaris education experts — Oleh Fasolia and Serhii Dyatlenko. In his speech, Oleh Fasolia focused on the key issue: how education reform influences the quality of educational services.
“Reform only makes sense when it is felt by the child, the teacher, and the hromada. If changes remain on paper, we will not move forward. Our task is to provide schools and local authorities with the tools for real transformation,” noted Fasolia.
Serhii Dyatlenko presented updates to the regulatory framework taking effect in the new school year, stressing the need for constant dialogue between state institutions and hromadas:
“Legislation changes, but its strength lies in how it is implemented on the ground. Hromadas are the key players, as they are responsible for the accessibility and quality of education for their children.”
Lively Discussion
The Nosivka mini-conference became a platform for substantive dialogue about the need to implement changes to improve the quality of educational services, consider new legal regulations ahead of the school year, and strengthen cooperation between hromadas on education issues within the rayon.
The panel discussion was the heart of the event. School principals, heads of education departments, and experts discussed the components of quality education — from staffing potential to financing and cooperation with parents.
Participants shared personal insights and practical tips, warned colleagues about potential pitfalls, reflected on reform implementation and the reasons slowing progress, and outlined ways to overcome “school bureaucracy.”
“When we sit together and speak openly, we see that our problems are shared — and so are the solutions. This builds confidence and creates a sense of partnership,” said Nataliia Tonkonoh, Head of the Education Department of the Nosivka hromada, who initiated the meeting.
Such open exchanges are extremely important and necessary, as only through cooperation can greater success be achieved.
Learning from Practice
The final part of the visit included a tour of Nosivka Lyceum No. 5, which has become an example of implementing modern approaches to managing the educational process.
This new mini-conference format proved effective: it combined expert analysis, practical experience, and open dialogue among education managers. Programme experts have already announced that similar events will be held regularly, as such interaction forms the foundation for successful education reform across hromadas.
