MINISTER OF EDUCATION LISOVY: SCHOOLCHILDREN LEAVING UKRAINE AFTER 11TH GRADE, BUT NOT ON A MASS SCALE
According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, although there is a trend of Ukrainian students leaving for abroad after completing 11th grade, the scope of this phenomenon remains relatively small and does not reach mass levels at this time. This was reported by the head of the ministry, Oksen Lisovyi, during a recent briefing, who noted that the government has certain mechanisms and plans to mitigate potential negative consequences of this practice. Overall, according to Lisovyi, this trend shows signs of existence, but it is still far from reaching the scale that could cause serious concern. "I would not call it a mass phenomenon, but this tendency exists. We have a number of ideas on how to minimize this negative trend and prevent it from developing into a serious threat to the Ukrainian education system," he emphasized. The main factor influencing parents' and students' decisions to leave for abroad after 11th grade is the issue of ensuring their safety. In current circumstances, amid complex political situations and military risks, many families make the decision to study outside Ukraine to protect their children and create more stable conditions for personal development. Lisovyi stressed that there are no obstacles, and none can appear, for Ukrainian students returning from abroad to domestic schools. “There are places for Ukrainian children returning from abroad within our education system. Currently, many educational institutions have vacant spots, and schools will gladly accept students who are coming back home,” he assured. This attitude toward returning is based on policies that promote the development of Ukrainian schools and foster a positive outlook toward integrating children back into the educational process. The background of this situation is that in April of this year, the Ukrainian government approved a new draft law, which involves amendments to Article 23 of the Law “On Mobilization Preparation and Mobilization.” This decision was aimed at clarifying the rights of students and educators in the context of military mobilization and preparedness for potential external threats. This initiative also addressed issues concerning the reorganization and adaptation of the educational sector, considering the challenges of the current security situation and the need to ensure stability in the country. Thus, amid these complex challenges, Ukraine’s education system continues to maintain its positions, demonstrating readiness for reforms and facilitating opportunities for every child regardless of circumstances. The role of the state in this process remains crucial, as efforts are ongoing to strike a balance between protecting citizens’ safety and creating comfortable conditions for obtaining school and higher education within Ukraine.