The updated model curriculum for the subject “Defence of Ukraine”, approved in August 2024, is being implemented in general secondary education institutions. Its goal is to teach the basics of safety, self-defence, first aid and to orientate students towards a conscious attitude to responsibility, social roles and their own actions.
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The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine reported the results of the first year of the programme. As of July 2025, almost 1,000 educational centres have been set up and are already operating in different regions. They are equipped with the equipment and materials necessary for practical training.
More than 280,000 high school students are studying the updated course content, which is about 65% of students in grades 10-11. More than 4,000 teachers are involved in the process. Among them are more than 400 veterans who have joined the teaching staff at school and interschool training centres.
The programme is being implemented as part of an educational experiment. The process involved various teams involved in programme development, teacher training, legislative support, methodological support, procurement and other areas.
The Ministry of Education and Science notes that the updated course “Defence of Ukraine” is planned to be made compulsory in all schools starting in 2027.
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