The updated "Defence of Ukraine" will become a mandatory subject in schools

The updated "Defence of Ukraine" will become a mandatory subject in schools

The updated discipline "Defence of Ukraine" will become a mandatory subject in every school starting from 2027, announced the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi.

"Almost a year ago, we completed the development of the idea of teaching the updated subject "Defence of Ukraine". In August 2024, a model curriculum was approved, based on the clear understanding that school should prepare for life, with its various challenges and responsibilities. It should shape values, worldview, and promote self-identification... From 2027, the updated "Defense of Ukraine" will become a mandatory subject in every school. But the main thing has already happened: we have shown what modern, practical, meaningful education can look like," wrote Lisovyi on Facebook.

The Minister also noted that almost 1,000 educational centers for the subject "Defence of Ukraine" have already been created and are operational, and more than 280,000 senior students are studying according to the new program, which constitutes 65% of all students in grades 10–11.

Also, over 4,000 teachers are working according to the updated program, among them more than 400 veterans.

"And all this is only within the framework of an educational experiment. I am very grateful to everyone who believed in this idea and joined its implementation. To those who supported, who learned and taught others, who sought solutions where there were none. You are the creators of this change. Ahead is the scaling up. Knowledge about safety, self-defense, medicine, information space — these are no longer just ’additional training,’ this is a basic skill of a modern person. For their sense of dignity and courageous view into their future in their country," added the Minister.