Despite the challenges of the war, both financial and security-related, education is among priorities here. Extracurricular formats of education are developed at a high level required by mandatory state standards. The heads of municipalities in the Poltava Oblast discussed this approach at the experience exchange event “Specific Aspects of Managing After-School Activities under Martial Law in the Velyka Bahachka Municipality” hosted by the Regional Office of U-LEAD with Europe in the Poltava Oblast.
The settlement municipality of Velyka Bahachka is one of the few that have not only preserved a network of after-school educational institutions, but also developed its individual directions. Velyka Bahachka is home to the Kushneryk Children’s Music School, the Young Engineers Club and the Children’s and Youth Creativity Centre, which brings art classes and some sports clubs together under one roof. The municipality supports after-school education so that children have more options for meaningful leisure and comprehensive development. However, the financing of these institutions is not limited to the budget funds, as local businesses and philanthropists consistently pitch in.
Preserving and developing after-school education in the municipality have brought tangible results — achievements of children such as first prizes in regional and state-wide contests and competitions, fulfilling their potential and fostering their talents. The kids get self-actualisation, and the municipality gets comprehensively developed, caring and active residents. Representatives of the municipalities of the oblast got to see the results of the after-school education institutions of the Velyka Bahachka municipality at the exhibition of their students’ artworks and the concert.
The Young Engineers Club deserves its own spotlight. For one, it is noteworthy for the scale of children’s involvement: more than 200 students in 11 creative associations. Their priority is fostering technical and engineering skills, as well as engaging children and schoolchildren in active research and technical sports. Another important direction, however, is shaping conscious citizens. The educators of the institution and the club members are actively involved in volunteer initiatives and projects to support our defenders at the front lines. In addition to making a variety of charms and pendants of guardian angels for Ukrainian soldiers, as well as drawings as a token of gratitude for protection, they take an active part in assembling FPV drones. The drones go to the residents of the municipality who took up arms to defend our country and bring our victory closer.
“We sincerely hope that our experience will be useful when developing after-school activities in other municipalities, for it is truly a must for young Ukrainians. Not only do they teach useful and beautiful things, but they also help children feel safe and useful, distract them from the terrible realities of today and let them believe in themselves,” said Olha Chernukha, secretary of the Village Council.
The main challenge for the municipality in the current conditions is the safety of children in after-school education institutions. Iryna Supiha, Head of the Department for Education, Youth, Tourism, Sports and Humanitarian Development of the Executive Committee of the Velyka Bahachka Village Council, told the participants about the creation of a safe educational environment, operation of after-school education institutions and cooperation with volunteers and charities. In turn, Serhii Yaroshenko, Director of the Children’s and Youth Creativity Centre, spoke about the strategy for involving children in after-school work in the conditions of war and shared the practices of his institution.
“The heads of municipalities of the Poltava Oblast learned about the experience of managing educational services, which can and should be implemented in their own municipalities. In the municipality of Velyka Bahachka, we saw a unique after-school family that has tangible support from local self-government, local businesses and members of councils at all levels, shaping future inventors, musicians and athletes for our country and giving wings of inspiration and creativity to our children,” said Iryna Balybina, Head of the Regional Office of U-LEAD in the Poltava Oblast.
