The first educational centre of a new format, the Real Skills Space, has been launched in the capital to provide a deeper study of the updated school discipline Defence of Ukraine. It was created on the basis of the Professional College of Engineering, Management and Land Management of the Kyiv Aviation Institute with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Ministry of Education and Science and Kyivstar. The project was implemented by the savED charitable foundation.
The new centre enables not only college students but also pupils, students and educators from other educational institutions to learn skills that are important in today's environment, from first aid to cybersecurity. The opening ceremony included a tactical medicine training session conducted by volunteers from the Solomensky Kotiks charity foundation.
The space is equipped with a lecture hall, areas for practical training, and a special classroom in a shelter where emergency response can be practiced. It will also host professional events for teachers and meetings with parents.
According to the Minister of Education and Science, Oksen Lisovyi, the subject's curriculum has been completely updated - Soviet approaches have been removed, and the content has been adapted to modern needs. While more than 900 such centres have previously appeared in Ukraine in the regions, this is the first centre in Kyiv.
Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister and Head of the Ministry of Digital Transformation, stressed that the new training format is designed to provide young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to act in emergency situations, both in peacetime and in times of war. It is not only about theoretical training, but also about gaining practical experience in important areas, including digital defence and technology.
In 2024, the Defence of Ukraine course has undergone significant changes: its goal is now to create conscious and informed citizens who are able to take care of their own safety and help others in crisis situations. The new format involves holding classes in specially equipped spaces. As of now, there are 963 such centres in Ukraine.
