Parents of pupils claim that their children don’t like school. Children say: “It’s boring there”. Desire not to expect changes superiorly but to act here and now gathered members of working party for educational reload in Zhytomyr.
Problems with school nowadays are widely discussed. It is discussed, but no one acts towards the solution of a problem. On 22 of April in Ukrainian Recreation center are gathered those who are aimed to change the system and are ready to spend time and efforts for children’s future. Among the members here are businessmen, representors of government, educators and activists. All of them are primarily parents who want for their children to have quality and bright future.
Reload educational project was created by CU “Osvitoriia” together with local council. The project was presented by manager of creative educational schemes organization, Zhytomyr citizen Olenka Severenchuk. Invoking anybody who wants to join the initiative and bringing those, who hasn’t heard or hasn’t had a chance to come this time but is ready to act, Olenka told about details.
“Yes, it’s kind of challenge for “Osvitoriia” and personally for me. We have requests for such projects from other cities around Ukraine, but we decided to start from Zhytomyr. It’s not about being born and grown here up, but because of having a total governmental support here, which we always feel, realizing projects by NGO “Zhytomyr, zroby holoshishe!”. We know, that after one year there will be more problems and challenges, critics and sceptics, although we understand where we need to focus on, what isn’t worth working on, what to start from, how to organize process, how to accept mistakes and what to do further, how to communicate. To cut it short, we’re ready that it’s going to be difficult, but who is looking for easy ways? So, we’re ready to develop and move further.”
Glances from other sides help to find the truth. Director of one of Zhytomyr schools is here on the meeting, says that she got acquainted with interesting and ambitious people of her town, who she didn’t know before, with people who see strengths and weaknesses of educational system and are willing to overcome troubles together.
Freelancer-artist, mother of preschooler worries about her child being comfortable at school.
Young father, for whom the future of his child is crucial, has his own viewpoint concerning education and wants to exchange with educators his views, claims that the meeting gives a real chance to change at least something and he’s ready to use the chance.
Teacher and mother of pupil at the same time focuses on teacher’s importance at school and at creating comfortable conditions for effective work there. It’s important that everything was said honestly and was up-to-date. Double standards, out-of-date sense, over-control, lack of teacher’s evaluation and low motivation – dozens of problems were recognized by both sides. There also was positive side: accessibility of information, chance to choose, determination on positive results and orientation on the most important customer and client of educational services – a child.
Marking working zones concerning future projects, conceptual and infrastructure proposals were the result of the meeting. Do members believe in their success? Of course. Otherwise, people wouldn’t come to such meetings, where an informal planning of future steps is happening. Moreover, deputy major concerning humanitarian issues Matvii Hrenov highlighted the importance and urgency of intentions and promised to give support:  “We were creating a town’s image together with Kyiv Mohyla Business School professionals. It wouldn’t have any sense unless we focus on youth and children. Our aim is for talented Zhytomyr citizens to realize themselves in their native town.”
Next steps are preparation of project proposals, their display and pleading and then realization in local schools during 2017-2018. Those who joined made a serious step, because implemented the main principle of constructive critics: you criticize – then suggest another variant or solution!
Those who want to join the project, contact Olenka Severenchuk by e-mail sol@osvitoria.org
Translated by Aliona Matushevich