Schools Enhance Security with Pilot Project in Ukraine
In a proactive move to bolster safety within educational institutions, a pilot project has been launched in a Ukrainian city, involving a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. This initiative, which includes 20 schools and is set to run until the academic year concludes, aims to elevate the security measures in place to protect students.
Parents, like Nikolai Makhinko, express their support for the initiative as they recognize the importance of safety at school. Makhinko, waiting for his first grader after class, highlighted a significant change in the school environment due to the presence of security personnel. «It’s a very good idea because the safety of my child at school is paramount. Misha has already told me about the police’s involvement; they conduct lessons and provide explanations. Our family fully supports such initiatives,» he stated.
The program, spearheaded by the Educational Security Service, emphasizes the role of security personnel within schools. As stated by Tatiana Bychkova, head of the Life Safety and Social Protection Department, the primary goal for school administrations is to help students understand that security guards serve as friends and protectors rather than figures that instill fear. Their responsibilities include controlling access to the school grounds to prevent unauthorized entry and inspecting for suspicious items.
According to Anna Myrtviyanska, an official from the Educational Security Service, the guards are trained to respond effectively during emergencies. «We participate in practical drills for air raid signals. During such alerts, we guide and monitor everyone as they move to safety. We are prepared to act in case of an attack or any direct threats to the school,» she explained.
Moreover, security personnel are tasked with promptly notifying relevant authorities in the event of emergencies, ensuring a coordinated response to any incidents that may arise.
This comprehensive approach to school safety reflects a growing commitment to safeguarding students while fostering a secure learning environment, garnering widespread support from parents and the community alike. The successful implementation of this pilot project could potentially set a precedent for enhanced safety measures in educational institutions across the country.
