In Crimea, school lessons have been shortened to 30 minutes, and students will be given packed lunches

In occupied Crimea, the new school year is starting with in-person classes, despite problems with the power supply, lessons shortened to 30 minutes, and increased military training for students. Instead of hot meals, some schools are providing dry rations.

According to Suspilne.Crimea, due to power outages, the occupying authorities plan to reduce the duration of classes to 30 minutes and the time children spend at school to four hours. At the same time, they have decided to abandon distance learning, citing the inability to ensure a stable internet connection.

Oleg Okhredko, an analyst at the “Almenda” Center for Civic Education, called this explanation surprising, since Crimean schoolchildren had already been studying remotely during the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, parents in occupied Crimea are discussing their children’s safety and questioning how effective in-person learning will be under these conditions.

In addition to problems with the educational process, the occupiers continue to militarize education on the peninsula.

New subjects are being added to the curriculum for Crimean schoolchildren. In particular, fifth-graders will study Russia’s spiritual and moral culture. History textbooks are also being revised yet again.

At the same time, mandatory military training is being introduced in schools. According to Okhredko, children are effectively being prepared for future service in the Russian army.

The expert notes that some students are already undergoing military training in“Yunarmiya” and specialized camps. There, he says, they learn how to handle weapons, undergo tactical and medical training, and learn to follow orders.

In addition, Crimean schools are launching clubs focused on robotics and drone operation.

According to the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, approximately 19,000 first-graders are expected on the peninsula this year. That is 6,000 fewer than in 2022.

In Sevastopol, the number of first-graders has more than halved—to approximately 2,300 children.

The decline in the number of students has also affected local businesses. Manufacturers of school uniforms, stationery, and school supplies report lower demand. According to Denis Chistikov, Deputy Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, some parents are in no hurry to buy school supplies because they are unsure whether in-person learning will last long.

Russian propaganda media showed inspections of schools in Crimea and Sevastopol before the start of the school year, specifically focusing on the availability of shelters.

However, the Office of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea states that the occupying authorities have failed to ensure an adequate level of safety in schools.

Denys Chistikov called such inspections largely for show. According to him, the occupiers are also proposing to set up makeshift shelters along children’s routes to school, including the use of concrete structures at bus stops.

At the same time, the Ukrainian side points out that even under occupation, Crimean children can receive a Ukrainian education remotely.

Андрій Колісніченко