

‘Grants are not manna from heaven’: how the border Koropska community transformed an old school bomb shelter into a modern hub
Koropska community in Chernihiv region is situated in a high-risk area due to its proximity to the russian border. The people here understand that ensuring the safety of children is the number one priority. The story of the renovation of the bomb shelter at Atiushivska school demonstrates how community perseverance, cooperation with international partners and student activism can transform a gloomy bomb shelter into a modern educational space in a village. ‘The school, which


In 2026, communities to receive UAH 3 billion in state support to pursue the New Ukrainian School reform
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted the relevant resolution on the distribution of subsidies. This refers to support for the New Ukrainian School reform, which will enable comprehensive modernisation of the educational infrastructure and environment. The majority of the funding – UAH 1.3 billion – is allocated to modernising the material and technical base of educational institutions: purchasing modern computer and multimedia equipment, equipment for natural science c


Second day of final seminar-workshop ‘Implementation of Specialised Secondary Education Reform: Regional Policy’
On 10–11 February, the final on-site seminar-workshop ‘Implementation of Specialised Secondary Education Reform: Regional Policy’ was held for heads of education departments and administrations from 20 regions across Ukraine. The second day of the training was devoted to the practical aspects of implementing the new Law of Ukraine ‘On Vocational Education’. Speakers at the event: Dmytro Zavhorodnii, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine; Valentyna Poltorak, DECI


In Lviv, DECIDE, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, held a final workshop ‘Implementation of Specialised Secondary Education Reform: Regional Policy’
On 10-11 February, DECIDE Project, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, held a final workshop entitled ‘Implementation of Specialised Secondary Education Reform: Regional Policy’ for heads of regional departments and administrations of education and science from 20 regions in Lviv! The key speakers were: Nadiia Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine; Dmytro Zavhorodnii, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukrai


Starting today, communities can submit applications for the modernisation of school kitchen units and canteens!
In 2026, the Government updated the rules for granting subsidies to modernise school kitchen units and canteens. The state budget allocated UAH 1 billion for this purpose. From the moment the Resolution is published, communities will be able to submit applications for the modernisation of school kitchen units and canteens. There are three ways to organise meals: ‘basic kitchen’, ‘hub kitchen’ and ‘factory kitchen’. This model allows communities to choose a solution that is ri


‘Now this place is like a restaurant.’ Kitchen unit renovated at the Gymnasium No. 13 in Chernihiv
One building of Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 13 was built in 1952, and the other in 1985. ‘Since then, the equipment in the kitchen unit has not been modernised. Cosmetic repairs were carried out, but over time the condition of the premises only deteriorated. The kitchen unit needed a major overhaul: replacement of outdated equipment and communications, ventilation, walls, ceilings, and tiles that no longer met modern standards. It was also necessary to replace non-functional tech


Last week, 16 Ukrainian communities received advisory support from DECIDE Project expert teams
Our team of experts – Yurii Orel, Olena Hulenko and Alla Bondar – held public discussions with communities in Kyiv region: Boryspilska, Tarashchanska, Myronivska, and Prystolychna communities, as well as in Cherkasy region: Korsun-Shevchenkivska, Horodyshchenska, Steblivska, Nabutivska, Mliivska, and Stepanetska communities. At the same time, the second expert team – Yana Brusentsova, Olha Khomenko and Olena Stepko – held meetings with communities in Kharkiv region: Malodanyl


Future of inclusive education: effective measures to support IRC network in 2026 discussed in Kyiv
On 3 February 2026, a Forum on Supporting the Network of Inclusive Resource Centres (IRCs) was held in Kyiv. The event was organised by the Swiss-Ukrainian DECIDE Project in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the All-Ukrainian Association of Amalgamated Territorial Communities. The Forum brought together DECIDE project experts, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science, academics, heads of inclusive education support resource


‘We develop communities through education.’ How DECIDE is changing Ukraine from within (part one of a long interview)
«‘We develop communities through education.’ How DECIDE is changing Ukraine from within» ‘Decentralisation for Improved Democratic Education’ (DECIDE) is an international project that supports reforms in Ukraine and is deeply embedded within them. For over five years, the Project has been working with communities, helping them to make educational decisions at the local level, establish a new senior school, develop a career guidance system, and implement tools for local democr


DECIDE continues to support communities in holding public discussions on implementation of specialized senior secondary school reform
Since March 2025, Project experts have provided consulting support to more than 500 communities across Ukraine. In December 2025, our team of experts – Yurii Orel, Alla Bondar, and Olena Hulenko – held a series of consultations in seven communities in Zhytomyr region: Berdychivska, Andrushivska, Korostenska, Malynska, Korostyshivska, Brusylivska, and Chopovytska communities. They also visited three communities in Kyiv region: Dmytrivska, Borshchahivska, and Hostomelska. Repre