The educational system of Ukraine is facing one of the biggest challenges in recent decades. The decrease in the number of school-age children, which has been observed in Ukraine in recent years, is gradually turning into an alarming trend that has far-reaching consequences. This problem already affects the educational system today, forcing it to adapt to the realities of demographic decline. It is a consequence of the low birth rate, which has been observed for two decades. Added to this is the mass emigration of young families abroad in search of better living conditions. As a result, the burden on communities and schools increases, especially in rural areas, where many educational institutions already have an insufficient number of students.
Schools with empty desks
For in words Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Nadiya Kuzmychova, by 2029 the number of first-graders will decrease by 30% compared to 2024. This situation is a direct consequence of the demographic crisis that Ukraine has been experiencing for many years. The low birth rate, exacerbated by the emigration of young families abroad, leaves a significant mark on the educational system. There are already noticeably fewer students in first grades than in senior grades a few years ago.
According to official data, more than half of schools in Ukraine have less than 200 students. This negatively affects not only the financial efficiency of schools, but also the quality of education. Understaffed schools often lack resources, teachers are forced to teach several subjects at the same time, and students are denied access to modern equipment and specialized courses.
“The number of children who now study in the first grade compared to those who study in the seventh is more than 30% smaller. And if we take the birth statistics of recent years, then by 2029 there will be another 30% fewer in the first grade children than are currently studying in the first grade.Based on this data, we must build our future infrastructure policy.
We can continue to remain silent and be under the illusion that almost 13 thousand schools in Ukraine have the potential for life. This can be a politically advantageous position. But is it true? No, of course. After all, more than 50% of schools already have 200 or fewer children. And then there will be even less. And all this affects the quality of education.” – said the Deputy Minister of Education and Science.
The role of communities in optimizing the school network
In her opinion, the main responsibility for optimizing the school network should lie with the communities. At the same time, they should focus not on the existing buildings left over from Soviet times, but on the opportunities to provide children with a quality education that will allow them to be competitive in the modern labor market.
The decrease in the number of first-graders is not only a demographic problem, but also a serious signal for the education system. As experts point out, instead of illusions about stability, it is necessary to look for effective solutions: optimization of the school network, improvement of the quality of education, development of distance learning.
Time will tell how many children will go to school in the coming years. However, it is already obvious that Ukraine is facing a choice: will education become modern and flexible, or will it remain a hostage of demographic realities.
