Proposals from Ombudsperson Nadiya Leshchyk
In an interview with Ukrainska Pravda, Ukraine's Education Ombudsperson, Nadiya Leshchyk, has called for a major reduction in the number of school days a child can miss without a medical certificate, proposing to cut the allowance from 10 days to just 5. She argues that the current, more lenient policy is being abused by some parents, which ultimately harms the educational process for all students. Leshchyk pointed out that Ukrainian legislation in this area is far more liberal compared to European nations, where school attendance rules are significantly stricter.
Separately, Leshchyk urged authorities to permit teachers to work remotely during school holidays due to the ongoing energy crisis. She also suggested extending winter holidays until the end of January for communities in critical situations. Another of her proposals involves shifting instructional time to the spring break period or extending the current academic year into June 2026 to make up for lost learning.
Underlying Issues in Ukrainian Education
Leshchyk revealed that statistical analysis of school attendance indicates a significant number of children are effectively not receiving an education. She emphasized that parental accountability is minimal, as the fine for violation is only about 750 hryvnias (approximately $18 USD). Consequently, Leshchyk believes strengthening the legal framework is essential to improve school attendance rates.
These proposals highlight systemic challenges within Ukraine's education sector, including the misuse of parental rights regarding school absences. Reducing the permitted absence days and increasing accountability could be crucial steps toward ensuring children are in the classroom, which directly impacts educational quality. The suggested changes also underscore the need for the education system to adapt to contemporary crises, such as the energy shortage and the necessity for flexible, remote learning options.