DECIDE Project experts continue regular work with communities on implementing senior specialised school reform

ur team recently visited Trostianetska community in Lviv region, where it held a public consultation with community leaders, representatives of the education department, principals of secondary schools, and representatives of the local council.

The community is focused on setting up a capable academic lyceum based on a general secondary education institution in Demnia. Currently, there are four general secondary education institutions in Trostianetska community, but a decision has already been made to optimise the network. In particular, from 1 September 2026, enrolment in Grade 10 will be discontinued in schools that are planned to be re-profiled as gymnasia.

Meanwhile, local authorities are demonstrating a responsible approach as well as a willingness to invest in education, thereby encouraging young people to remain in their communities.

‘Our goal is to provide our students with access to quality education close to their place of residence. Specialised education should not only be available in large cities. We work in partnership with educators and parents to ensure that high school students can make informed choices that align with their ambitions and the demands of the job market. Creating a lyceum is a strategic step for the future of our community,’ says Mykhailo Tsykhuliak, Head of the Trostianets Village Council.

During the discussion, the experts emphasised the importance of taking the necessary steps to ensure the timely implementation of senior specialised schools, and set out the priority measures for modelling the network:

forecast the number of students for the future lyceum;

select at least three profiles of education that will meet the needs of students and the community;

consider all aspects and make appropriate decisions at the session of the village council.

The discussion also focused on the request for broad communication with parents and students regarding the making of informed choices about educational profiles.

The visit to Trostianetska community once again confirmed that each community has its own context, resources, challenges, and potential. Therefore, DECIDE Project experts continue to support communities in educational transformations, strengthen their ability to make informed management decisions, and create real opportunities for each student to choose their future.

And all this — without losing sight of the unique characteristics of each community!

REMINDER: To register a request for an expert visit, please follow this link — Project experts will contact you to arrange a time and format for the meeting.

The DECIDE project is implemented by NGO DOCCU and PHZH International Projects in Education with the support of the Embassy of Switzerland in Ukraine.

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