Ecosystem of quality education: How Chernihivska community cares for youth's future with support from Switzerland

Career guidance, reconstruction, and modern vocational education are not merely isolated areas, but form a single strategy for human capital development.

In order to learn about the results of educational initiatives supported by Switzerland, a delegation comprising Félix Baumann, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to Ukraine; Ilona Postemska, Senior National Programme Officer at the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation to Ukraine; Valentyna Poltorak, DECIDE Project Manager, Yuliia Molchanova, DECIDE Project Coordinator of Component 2, Nadiia Balabust, DECIDE Project National Expert, as well as representatives of the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Programme.

During the visit, a meeting was held with Vladyslav Chaus, Head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration. Zhanna Sherstiuk, Deputy Head of the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, Yurii Muzyka, Head of the Department of Education and Science at the Chernihiv Regional State Administration, and Vasyl Bilohura, Head of the Department of Education at the Chernihiv City Council, also joined the on-site work and discussions.

Meetings with students, educators, representatives of the business community, and employers focused on the development of career guidance and vocational education, the restoration of educational infrastructure, and the strengthening of partnerships between the authorities, the education sector, the business community, and international partners.

The first location within the visit was the DECIDE culinary career guidance hub, which is based at the Chernihiv Centre for Vocational and Technical Education. It is a modern practical training facility where students can learn about different professions, school chefs can develop their skills, and vocational education is aligned with the real needs of the community. During the year, the hub has engaged a number of business residents and is actively developing.

At the Chernihiv Vocational Lyceum of Railway Transport, based at the DECIDE career guidance hub, a Forum on Best Practices in Career Guidance in the City of Chernihiv was held, which became a platform for presenting the activities of the community in career guidance, for discussing the role of schools, vocational education, the authorities, business, and partners in supporting young people.

In Chernihiv, 31 career counsellors have already been trained and now work in educational institutions. During the year, more than 5,000 students have completed the JOBS course, and nearly 200 visits to businesses have been organised. Their work helps schoolchildren discover their own interests, abilities, the opportunities available in the community, and the prospects for professional success.

‘It is very important to choose a profession that aligns with one’s personal values and is also in demand by society and business. Cooperation between schools, children, the authorities, and the business sector is key to this process. I am convinced that a conscious choice of profession will help rebuild the country,’ emphasised Ambassador Félix Baumann, noting that the experience of the Swiss career guidance system is one of the secrets to the success of the country.

‘Career guidance is, primarily, about the future of children and the future of communities. Chernihiv demonstrates how, through the joint efforts of the authorities, schools, and the business sector, we can create opportunities for young people to stay, develop, and build successful careers in Ukraine. Currently, the national pilot of DECIDE already covers nearly 400 communities, 744 schools, and about 60,000 schoolchildren. Our task is to ensure that every Ukrainian child receives support in choosing their own career path and can confidently plan their future,’ emphasised Valentyna Poltorak.

A highlight of the visit was Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 13, rebuilt with funding from the people of Switzerland. This is an important example of how the restoration of education is not just about buildings, but above all about creating a safe space for children to learn, develop, socialise, and believe in the future.

Chernihivska community demonstrates that career guidance can be more than a single event; it can be part of a long-term system of support for the youth of the community. Its foundation is a partnership between education, authorities, business, and the community, and the result is more opportunities for conscious choice, the development of human capital, and the restoration of Ukraine.

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

To view the photo gallery, click on the photo.