Tragedy Strikes a Village School
A fifth-grade boy, Nikita Sklyanichenko, lost 97% of the vision in his left eye after being struck with a pencil by a classmate. The incident occurred on December 17, 2023, in a school in the village of Hruzke, Kirovohrad region, while the teacher was absent from the classroom. Despite the severe injury, school staff decided not to summon emergency medical services, wrongly judging the situation as non-critical. This case highlights ongoing concerns about student safety and supervision in Ukrainian schools.
Nikita's mother, Kateryna Sklyanichenko, only sought medical help the day after the attack. Following an examination, Nikita underwent surgery in Odesa, where doctors confirmed his vision had been reduced to just 3%. The family has spent over 50,000 hryvnias on treatment, a significant financial burden. Nikita now has full vision in his right eye, but only 3% in his left.
Family and Community Outrage
Nikita's family includes four children, and their father was mobilized into the army in December 2023. He went missing in the Donetsk region in April 2024. Kateryna Sklyanichenko expressed fury at the teachers' inaction, quoting one teacher's explanation:
"I asked her why they didn't call an ambulance. She explained there was no blood and the child was sitting calmly, so they didn't call." - Kateryna Sklyanichenko
Some local residents have expressed sympathy and a desire to help.
"I feel so sorry for that child. If I had extra finances right now, I would help," said local resident Lyudmila.
Nikita's parents believe the school must be held accountable. "I believe the school is at fault. This is negligence: the child was sent home without an escort," Kateryna emphasized. Other commentators pointed to clear failures: Olena Tenychenko noted that "the teacher was not at their workplace - this is the first violation of official duties," and Tetiana Korchemna added, "First and foremost, this is a disciplinary responsibility for the teacher."
The situation has provoked anger among parents and the community, who are demanding greater attention to child safety in educational institutions. The incident underscores the critical importance of proper student supervision and the need to respond to injuries, even if they initially appear minor.
The tragedy in Hruzke village reflects serious systemic problems regarding pupil safety during school hours. A lack of teacher supervision and hesitation in responding to injuries can lead to irreversible consequences for children. The community is demanding accountability from educational authorities and improved conditions for learning and child welfare.