The educational process is in the dark: the Ombudsman drew attention to critical problems
The war presented unprecedented challenges to the education system of Ukraine. Providing quality education in conditions of air strikes, power outages and destroyed infrastructure has become the main task for educators, parents and local authorities. Despite all difficulties, the right of every child to education remains inviolable.
One of the most important aspects is the creation of a safe educational environment. In these conditions, a special responsibility rests on the founders of educational institutions, who must not only organize the educational process, but also ensure its continuity even under extraordinary circumstances. However, these duties are not always performed properly, as evidenced by the example given by the educational ombudsman Nadiya Leschyk.
Safety and quality of education in shelters: problems and examples
Education ombudsman Nadiya Leshchyk in her post in Facebook drew attention to the situation that took place in one of the schools (in which one, she did not specify). Due to power outages during the educational process and air alarms, children were forced to stay in a dark shelter without the possibility to continue their studies.
According to the ombudsman, the educational process at this school is organized in two shifts, and the second shift ended in the evening, when power outages were most frequent. There were no conditions for continuing education in the dark room, which grossly violated the students’ right to quality education and a safe environment.
This situation became possible due to the negligence of the founder of the educational institution, who did not take measures to provide shelter with backup power sources. Only after the appeal of the educational ombudsman and parents, work was carried out to eliminate these problems.
Responsibility of founders of educational institutions
Nadiya Leshchyk emphasized that the founders of educational institutions have full responsibility for creating conditions that ensure children’s right to quality education even under difficult circumstances. This includes not only the organization of training, but also equipping schools and shelters with appropriate equipment, including backup power sources, ventilation systems and other necessary facilities.
Inaction in these matters is unacceptable. The educational ombudsman reminded that the response to such challenges should be prompt and the solutions should be effective so that no child is left without the opportunity to learn.
“I should note that it is the founder of the educational institution or the body authorized by him in accordance with Part 2 of Article 25 of the Law of Ukraine “On Education” that controls the financial and economic activities of the educational institution, ensures and controls the creation of a safe educational environment in the educational institution.
Responding to my appeal, the founder of the educational institution said that the institution has taken all necessary measures to provide the institution with an additional source of uninterrupted power during the educational process in two shifts. In addition, he informed that the anti-radiation shelter is equipped with a separate electric generator with a capacity of 50 kW and rechargeable lighting lamps, which work for 2 days in the absence of lighting. The founder also informed that in the event of an air raid, children are moved to a shelter at the signal of the teacher and/or class teacher, where there is an opportunity to continue the educational process.
The information received from the founder of the educational institution shows that after the appeal of the educational ombudsman, he carried out appropriate work to fulfill his duties. However, it is a pity that this required the appeal of the parents and the appeal of the educational ombudsman.
I understand that now, during the period of martial law, we have many additional challenges related to the creation of a safe educational environment in educational institutions. At the same time, I emphasize that the founder of the educational institution must do everything necessary for the opportunity for students to get an adequate education – inaction in these matters cannot be justified.” – stressed Nadiya Leshchyk.
The ombudsman also gave advice to parents, stressing the importance of their participation in monitoring safety and learning conditions. Parents reaching out to school leaders or educational authorities can be a catalyst for change and help address issues that may otherwise be overlooked by the administration.
The war presented Ukrainian education with new challenges that require the coordinated work of all participants in the process — from educators to parents. A safe learning environment is not only the physical safety of children, but also the provision of conditions for learning even in emergency situations. The responsibility of the founders of educational institutions is key in this matter. Their active position, as well as support from the community, will help preserve the continuity of the educational process and ensure a future for Ukrainian children, even in the most difficult circumstances.
