The Ministry of Education and Science has announced the topic of the first lesson of the new school year
The Ministry of Education and Science has recommended that Ukrainian schools dedicate the first lesson of the 2026–2027 school year to the topic “Language of Dignity.” The ministry believes that such a discussion will help children better understand the importance of respect, equality, and inclusive communication.
Teachers are advised to talk with students about how words can support people, create a safe environment, and help everyone feel accepted at school.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has already provided schools with recommendations regarding the first lesson of the new 2026/2027 school year. This time, the suggested theme is “The Language of Dignity.” The relevant recommendations are contained in a letter received by the heads of regional military administrations and the Kyiv City Military Administration.
The ministry explains that the main goal of this lesson is to help students understand the importance of respecting human dignity, valuing diversity, and using inclusive and non-discriminatory language. The Ministry of Education and Science notes that such discussions should contribute to the development of a culture of mutual respect, equality, and inclusion. “Conducting such a lesson will help foster a culture of respect for human dignity, raise awareness of the value of diversity, and develop skills in using inclusive and non-discriminatory language,” the ministry emphasizes.
What Teachers Are Advised to Focus On
Teachers are advised to explain to students during the lesson the role that language plays in creating a friendly and safe educational environment. The Ministry of Education and Science emphasizes that every student should feel accepted and heard at school, regardless of age, gender, health status, disability, ethnic origin, language of communication, or other characteristics.
That is why schools are advised to focus not only on words, but also on respect for others, equal opportunities for learning, and mutual support.
What was the theme of last year’s first lesson?
By way of comparison, for the 2025–2026 school year, the Ministry of Education recommended dedicating the first lesson to honoring the memory of Ukraine’s defenders—both men and women—who died defending the country’s independence and territorial integrity. At the time, the Ministry of Education and Science emphasized that this topic was particularly important in the context of a full-scale war. It was intended to help foster patriotism, civic responsibility, respect for the families of fallen soldiers, and an understanding of the values of freedom and dignity among students.
To conduct that lesson, teachers were recommended to use materials from the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, including historical background, biographies of defenders, and examples of activities with students. Now, however, the recommendation is to focus on the themes of respect, inclusivity, and responsible communication in order to foster a culture of mutual understanding and support among students from the very first days of the new school year. The letter contains this recommendation.
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