High school students of both sexes will study the subject ‘Defence of Ukraine’ on an equal footing: Olena Zelenska
Changes in Ukraine’s education system are an integral part of adapting to the new conditions and challenges of the war. One of these key reforms was the introduction of a compulsory subject, Defence of Ukraine, for high school students (grades 10-11), which is designed not only to strengthen military training for young people but also to help break down gender stereotypes that remain in Ukrainian society.
High school students of both sexes will study the subject ‘Defence of Ukraine’ on an equal footing. This was announced by First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska. She stressed that this innovation is aimed at ensuring equality in the study of this subject, as now both boys and girls in grades 10-11 will be able to master the knowledge and practical skills that were previously divided between the sexes. Zelenska emphasised that this is an important step towards reducing gender bias in Ukrainian education, especially in military training.
“Another worthy step towards reducing gender stereotypes in Ukrainian education. From now on, both boys and girls in grades 10-11 will study ‘Defence of Ukraine’ equally, to the same extent and with the same topics. The gender division has recently been cancelled, and students will be divided by number – from 8 to 15 in each group. They will study not once a week during a lesson, but once a month, but for a full day. The subject curriculum has been updated. From now on, it will be as close as possible to the realities of wartime.
The children will learn first aid and tactical medicine, drone piloting skills, radio communications, etc. It is very important that they will also learn skills that will help them develop emotional stability and the ability to act in extreme situations,” explained Olena Zelenska.
Curriculum update: what exactly is changing
Previously, the Defence of Ukraine programme provided for different approaches to teaching boys and girls. For example, boys mainly studied military tactics and defence skills, while girls were more focused on medical training. The new reform, however, abolishes this gender division, offering all students the same learning opportunities.
Now, all high school students, regardless of gender, will study the same amount of curriculum and the same topics. Classes will be divided into groups not by gender, but by the number of students – from 8 to 15 in each group. This approach will ensure more effective learning, where each student will have the opportunity to receive teacher attention and practice skills in smaller groups.
In addition, instead of one lesson per week, students will attend classes once a month, but for a full day. This will allow for a deeper dive into the material and more time to devote to practical skills, which is an important part of the new programme.
Practical skills for the realities of wartime
One of the main objectives of the new Defending Ukraine programme is to prepare young people for the real challenges posed by war. Training will no longer be limited to theoretical knowledge. According to Olena Zelenska, the programme will be as close as possible to the realities of wartime, taking into account current needs.
Students will study the following important aspects:
- First aid and tactical medicine. The students will learn how to properly provide assistance in critical situations, which can be vital both at the front and in civilian life.
- Drone control. Given modern methods of warfare, unmanned aerial vehicles play an important role in reconnaissance and combat operations. Students will gain basic skills in working with drones, which will be useful in the future.
- Radio communication. In times of war, the ability to use radio communications is critical. This knowledge will also be included in the programme.
- Emotional stability and preparation for action in extreme situations. An important part of the training will be the development of skills that will help students remain calm in stressful and dangerous conditions, as well as teach them how to respond appropriately in critical situations.
Overcoming gender stereotypes
The First Lady of Ukraine also noted that the introduction of equal study of the subject ‘Defence of Ukraine’ is an important step in combating stereotypes about the role of women and men in defending the state. Olena Zelenska emphasised that in today’s conditions, both men and women are equally worthy of defending Ukraine at the front, so the old prejudices that military training is a matter for men only should become a thing of the past.
Thanks to the updated Defence of Ukraine programme, girls will have the same opportunities for military training as boys, which will help to form a new generation free of gender bias.
“It is obvious that today both men and women are equally worthy of defending our country at the frontline, equally courageous in their fight for our freedom. Therefore, the prejudice that the defence of Ukraine is only a ‘man’s job’ and medical care is a ‘woman’s job’ should be left in the past, ‘ Zelenska said.
Why this subject is important today
As Ukraine continues to fight for its independence, military training for young people is becoming a matter of not only professional but also civic responsibility. A new approach to teaching the subject of Defence of Ukraine will allow students to acquire not only knowledge but also real skills that can be useful in extreme situations or even help defend the country in the future.
This training becomes especially important in the context of the increased threat from the aggressor, as well as in the context of active training of reservists and military personnel in Ukraine. Therefore, the introduction of this subject into the school curriculum is part of a broader strategy to prepare young people for the challenges of war and defence of the state.
