From 24 to 26 March 2026, educational co-working sessions were held in Lubny, Obukhiv and Slavuta, organised with the support of the Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme ‘Support for Multi-level Governance in Ukraine’ in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Project Office for the Implementation of the New Ukrainian School, and educational organisations.
The events brought together over 500 education professionals from 12 partner communities across various regions of Ukraine – including heads of educational institutions, teachers, representatives of local authorities and experts.
The educational co-working sessions were a platform for the professional development of educators, the exchange of experience and the joint search for solutions in the context of implementing specialized secondary school reform and improving the quality of educational services in communities.
The format of the events included activities in thematic locations, interactive sessions, workshops and practical discussions. Participants focused on issues relating to the development of specialized education, the professional development of teachers, the management of the education network, the use of data in decision-making, and the role of educational institutions in responding to social challenges.
Special attention was paid to the development of the professional training system for teachers and new approaches to professional development.
“Being a speaker at a co-working event is not just about giving a talk, but about meeting people who keep education moving forward every day, despite all the challenges. In conversations with heads and deputy heads of schools, I saw resilience, determination and a genuine openness to new ideas – something that cannot be imposed, but can be supported. And that is precisely why professional development is not an optional extra to the reform, but its very heart: without it, changes remain on paper; with it, they become a reality in every classroom,” said Iryna Unguryan, Training and Professional Development Coordinator at the NUS Implementation Office at the Ministry of Education and Science.
During the co-working sessions, participants also worked with analytical data, modelled management decisions and discussed the challenges of implementing reform at local level.
“The co-working session in Lubny served as an example of seeking synergy – a partnership between different communities, educational institutions, the state and the public sector. Educators confirmed that they believe in the reform of specialized secondary schools and are ready to make every effort to implement it,” noted Tetiana Vakulenko, Director of the Ukrainian Centre for Educational Quality Assessment.
The participants noted that it is precisely through such forms of cooperation that a common vision for change is formed and approaches to its implementation are coordinated.
“Taking part in the educational co-working session confirmed that meaningful change in education is only possible through shared responsibility and partnership. It is precisely the alignment of approaches and values that creates a holistic educational environment for the child and ensures a successful start and further development,” said Iryna Matsak, Director of the Kateryna Skarzhynska Gymnasium.
The organisation of educational co-working sessions forms part of the Polaris Programme’s systematic support for education at local and regional levels, aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity of communities, developing educational management, and implementing specialized secondary school reform.
Such events help to foster a shared professional environment where communities can not only acquire new knowledge but also work together to develop practical solutions for the development of education.
