Socialization and work: what the new learning model entails
27 February 21:57
Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi presented a new senior school profile for children with intellectual disabilities — the flagship project “KROK” — at a meeting of the National Council for Barrier-Free Access. He announced this on Facebook, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
The program will last three years after 9th grade and will focus on socialization, the development of basic life skills, and career guidance.
What is the essence of the project?
According to the minister, “KROK” provides for:
- training through practice using a dual model;
- direct contact with employers;
- preparation for employment;
- support for young people in the workplace;
- support for employers in adapting the environment.
Thus, it is not only about training, but also about a complete transition to the labor market.
Why the need arose
According to the Ministry of Education and Science, about 10,000 children with complex developmental disorders are currently under pedagogical supervision.
The minister noted that a significant proportion of them have no clear educational trajectory after the 9th grade and therefore risk being left out of formal education and socialization. This has broader social implications: in families where children are homeschooled, the employment rate among mothers is significantly lower.
The Ministry of Education and Science believes that the new profile should be the answer to these systemic barriers.
Plans for 2026
In 2026, they plan to:
- open 100 pilot KROK classes in schools;
- transfer at least 1,000 children from pedagogical patronage to full-time or blended learning;
- create a state institution for methodological support and teacher training;
- prepare regulatory changes to scale the model in specialized schools and vocational education.
Part of a broader policy of accessibility
The presentation took place during a meeting of the National Barrier-Free Council chaired by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. First Lady Olena Zelenska also took part in the event.
In total, seven flagship projects were presented at the meeting, which are planned to be implemented in the coming years.
