How Kyiv schools may operate during power and water outages: KMDA explanation

Amid regular security challenges and infrastructure issues, the capital's authorities have detailed the rules for organizing the educational process in Kyiv schools for parents. The Department of Education and Science of the Kyiv City State Administration (KMDA) presented a clear action plan in case of prolonged power outages, water supply interruptions, and other emergencies caused by military actions.

Organization of the educational process under power and water shortages

The top priority remains the safety of children and the continuity of the educational process to the extent permitted by conditions in a specific institution. In the event of a power outage, educational institutions with appropriate technical capabilities switch to alternative power and lighting sources. If natural or backup light is insufficient to perform written tasks, teachers can conduct lessons orally until utilities are fully restored. In situations where a school cannot ensure basic sanitary requirements due to a lack of water or electricity, students may be temporarily transferred to distance learning.

Alternative formats and educational migration

City authorities continue to actively apply the mechanism of so-called educational migration. This means that students can be temporarily redistributed to vacant premises of other educational institutions in the capital if they meet all necessary safety standards and regulations. In addition, the possibility of online learning from specially equipped workstations directly in school shelters during air raids is maintained. Teachers who cannot reach their educational institution due to safety reasons have the right to conduct classes remotely.

Informing parents and action algorithm during air raids

All decisions regarding changes in the operation format of an educational institution—whether a local transition to remote learning or temporary closure of a building—are made by the administration and communicated to parents through official communication channels. If an air raid alert catches participants in the educational process during an online lesson, the class is immediately suspended. Both teachers and schoolchildren are required to go down to safe shelters, after which the educational process resumes in a secure environment.