In September, 95% of schools in Poltava region will start full-time education

In Poltava Oblast, the preparations for the new academic year are ongoing. Educational institutions are ensuring that shelters are ready and are also conducting safety checks of the learning environment, including alarm systems, emergency buttons, and fire safety measures.

The progress of these preparations was discussed at the Poltava Regional State Administration (OVA) during an online meeting with the heads of territorial communities and the heads of regional educational departments.

"Children have been learning online for almost three years. Initially, it was due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and then due to the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation. This form of learning does not provide full development and socialization for children," noted Dmytro Lunin, the head of the Poltava OVA. "So, our most important task is to return students to classrooms and ensure safe conditions. All institutions of vocational, technical, and higher education will have shelters. In September, 95% of schools will begin in-person learning."

During the meeting, the possibility of expanding the network of safety classrooms in educational institutions was also discussed.

This year, in the region, 135,788 students were supposed to undergo medical examinations before the start of the academic year. As of August 9, 108,972 children (81%) had already been examined by doctors.

"We aim for all children to have the opportunity to study offline from September 1. Local self-government bodies have actively engaged in this work, arranging and equipping shelters in their institutions. It is very important for children to attend school, as it involves socialization, adaptation, sharing experiences, live communication with teachers and peers, and discipline," emphasized Dmytro Lunin. "In the past academic seasons, the majority of students in the region were learning remotely. Therefore, before children return to their classrooms, it is crucial to address the issue of medical examinations and their health status."