At the fifth First Ladies and Gentlemen Summit, initiated by Olena Zelenska, the results of an international survey of 15-17-year-olds on their attitudes towards education were presented. The study covered 14 countries, with 200 respondents surveyed in each. The findings were discussed during a ministerial dialogue with education leaders from Denmark, Austria, Estonia, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. The discussion was moderated by Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the OECD.
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Ukrainian schoolchildren emphasised that education shapes civic attitudes, a culture of peace and a responsible attitude towards society. Over 90% of respondents believe that human rights lessons and joint actions help to raise active citizens. Almost half of teenagers already participate in volunteer or socially useful projects.
They see school as a space for national and patriotic education and the development of key skills. They consider communication and teamwork to be the most important for the future, which emphasises the importance of face-to-face education. At the same time, teenagers value creative thinking, attentiveness, responsibility, emotional stability and motivation.
Their expectations of teachers are based on fair treatment, support, and respect. In wartime, students most value a teacher’s ability to support and understand their life circumstances. At the same time, 31% of schoolchildren experience anxiety or fear during their studies, which creates a demand for increased psychological support. It is this need that Ukraine has brought up for discussion with its international partners.
According to teenagers, a culture of peace can be fostered through the development of empathy, tolerance, respect for different opinions, education on peaceful conflict resolution, and knowledge of human rights.
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