For three days Kyiv hosted the forum “The State That Hears Its Children.” Last year this nationwide children’s forum was dedicated to the 15 th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. This time the occasion was no less important, as Ukraine marks Children’s Rights Protection Year in 2006. Many serious topics were raised at various briefings and the conference, including the need to teach children about democracy, defend their rights and interests, and put their heads together to plan their future and that of their country. A number of politicians and scientists took part in these discussions.
Children’s views on their state are as important and perhaps even more interesting. Do they feel the state hears them? How do they visualize their future? What changes would they like to see in Ukraine? A reporter from The Day asked children from different age groups whether they are aware of the government’s care and support.
Their responses, compiled from the national forum of straight-A school students and talks with Kyiv schoolchildren, are surprisingly insightful. Unfortunately, most of their responses boil down to one thing: they would like the state to show more care.
Volodymyr FAVORSKY, student, Oriental Languages Gymnasium:
The government’s care is not particularly apparent, especially since the new government took office. I don’t know where it can be seen. On the contrary, it’s not evident at all. I cannot say that the previous government was actively concerned, but at least it was going through the motions.
Now everybody is busy dividing up portfolios. On the whole, I don’t want to exchange this state for another, but at least I want us to have a state... I want them to clearly define who is the government and who isn’t, so that we can end this war and start living a normal life.
Anastasia ALEKSIUK, Grade 6-B, School No. 225:
The state is taking care of us a bit. My parents have normal jobs. We can afford to buy things and we have enough to eat. But I wish there were fewer lessons.
Stanislav HRYNKEVYCH, Grade 9-M, Podil Lycee:
I am slightly aware of the care shown by the state, but there are shortcomings, of course: for example, unsuccessful planning of Ukraine’s development, the attitude to the Chornobyl victims, orphans, and generally to all socially unprotected population groups. I believe that people must be honest and think more about others.
Maksym KLYMENKO, Grade 5-E, Podil Lycee:
I generally feel that the state cares for us. For example, it provides for my study and security, I can rely on the state; it guarantees that no one will attack me. I don’t know about politics, but I’ve heard that the Crimea wants to withdraw from Ukraine, that they want to have two official languages. I think that’s bad.
Oleksandra LYKOVA, Grade 11-E, Podil Lycee:
I am generally aware that the state takes care of us. Proof of this is that a child knows whom to contact if something happens. However, I believe that there should be more social advertising. Also, it is absolutely necessary to carry out certain reforms. Even now the Verkhovna Rada is deliberating matters that are not exactly topical, like making mobile communications free...I don’t think this is the most topical and global issue.
Anastasia FESENKO, Grade 5-E, Podil Lycee:
No one is trying to hurt anyone in our country. People are helping each other; they’re giving us knowledge and making concessions. I don’t know what could be changed.
Yevhen KOVTUN, Grade 9-B, School no. 225:
Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I think that no one’s taking care of us. For example, we have to buy our own textbooks because the textbooks provided by the state are not suitable for our curriculum; besides they don’t supply half of them. Also we have to pay into the school and grade funds. I would very much like our health care and education to be free of charge.
Hanna OVAKIMIAN, Grade 7-B, Podil Lycee:
I feel this care because things that are not possible in other schools are possible in our school. Some things other children can only dream of are a reality here. Of course, I’m worried that this kind of education isn’t available to everyone, but our lycee has tuition assistance programs. Anyway, the state must pay more attention to children.
Dmytro ZAHORODNII, Grade 10-A, Podil Lycee:
I feel that the state really cares during such forums. I’m pleased to see members of the government and law enforcement officials visiting and communicating with us. Of course, a lot of things must be changed. Most likely this will take a long time. I also think that such changes will always be for the best.
