In 4-6 years, Ukraine will lose thousands of specialists: Kernel told what needs to be done now
24 September 13:34
Unadapted admission conditions destroy the dream of getting an education at home. If the system is more flexible, many more children will choose to study in Ukraine. This was emphasized by Natalia Teryakhina, HR Director at Kernel , during the forum of educators and employers “Youth cannot be let go” organized by
Teryakhina also draws attention to the shortage of teachers and the risk of losing an entire generation of specialists. Why are Ukrainian children studying abroad afraid to return home? And will Ukraine lose a whole generation of specialists in a few years – in the article
The central topic was the “silent” migration of Ukrainian youth, the extent of the loss of human capital, and ways to counteract it. One of the key speakers was Natalia Teryakhina, HR Director at Kernel. She emphasized that the issue of the future of children and youth concerns not only the state but also every family.
“I am here today as a mother, as a woman, as a voice of families abroad. Our children studying outside Ukraine need special attention. There is a widespread prejudice that they do not want to return. This is untrue and a very dangerous opinion. Children are eager to return home, study in their schools and live in their cities,” said Teryakhina.
Teryakhina reminded that according to the International Organization for Migration, more than 1 million children have already returned to Ukraine, including to the frontline regions. However, the process of returning is accompanied by difficulties: from adaptation to Ukrainian education to problems with preserving their native language.
“When our children came to Europe, they were admitted to schools and kindergartens without tests and inspections. They were supported with translation and additional classes. And today, when they return home, they face difficulties in education, upbringing, and even in the language. Therefore, it is absolutely wrong to say that they will not return,” emphasized Natalia Teryakhina.
We may lose thousands of specialists in 4-6 years: we need to act now
The Kernel HR Director also spoke about the conditions of admission to Ukrainian universities. According to her, too strict requirements can scare away children who have studied abroad
“Unadapted admission rules destroy the dream of getting an education at home. If the system were more flexible, many more children would choose to study in Ukraine,” noted Teryakhina.
Teryakhina also noted that more than 8,000 Ukrainian teachers have gone abroad, which creates an additional shortage of personnel both at home and in the diaspora. And the lack of state support for Saturday and Sunday schools abroad makes it difficult to keep children connected to Ukrainian education.
“This is the 11th year of the war. This means that a generation is growing up in the occupied territories that does not know Ukrainian education. If we don’t act now, in 4-6 years we will lose thousands of specialists in various fields,” summarized Teryakhina.
Thus, the issues of youth migration and access to education are becoming a matter of national security. Ukraine has already lost part of its human capital, and the risk of further losses is extremely high. However, children want to come back.
The task of the state, business, and educators is to create the conditions under which this dream will become a reality. This is the only way to preserve the generation that will determine the country’s future.
