The pilot project of the national educational platform «POVIR» has started in Vinnytsia lyceums. This online resource helps students bridge learning gaps, receive additional consultations in key subjects, and develop life resilience. Suspilne was told about the project’s specifics, its implementation mechanism, and students’ motivation by Mykola Byts, Principal of Vinnytsia Lyceum №35, and Nataliia Pidlisna, Principal of Vinnytsia Lyceum №8.
Project Overview
The name «POVIR» stands for «Overcoming Educational Losses and Gaps». The project’s main goal is to help students recover knowledge lost due to the pandemic and the full-scale war. The platform offers individualized sessions in mathematics, Ukrainian, and English.
«These subjects were selected because they are core components of the national multi-subject test. It’s an investment in the students’ future,» explained Mykola Byts.
The project is designed for 7th, 9th, and 11th graders. According to educators, 7th graders often lack motivation to study, so engaging this group is a key step. For 9th and 11th graders, the program provides an opportunity to prepare for entering educational institutions or taking the national multi-subject test.
How Were Participants Selected?
Each school independently formed participant groups. Priority was given to students who expressed a desire to join the program. If the number of applicants exceeded the quota, teachers provided additional motivation by explaining the benefits of participation.
«Our lyceum received a quota for 23 students. At first, those who really needed it joined, and then we worked individually with each hesitant student,» said Lyceum №8 Principal Nataliia Pidlisna.
Students choose the topics they want to study and convenient times for sessions. The learning takes place in individual sessions with a mentor, allowing every child to ask questions without fear of making mistakes.
A key feature of the project is its motivation system — for each completed task, participants earn virtual coins (vircoins), which can be exchanged for branded gifts or donated to charity.
First Results
The platform launch included a «POVIR-party» — an online meeting where participants signed a symbolic contract and learned how the platform works. Teachers reported that after the first lessons, interest in the program grew significantly.
«Children tell each other that it’s like having a free tutor who works at a convenient time,» added Nataliia Pidlisna.
Beyond academic support, «POVIR» offers participants social-emotional and ethical learning. Children learn how to manage stress, structure their time, and plan their study processes.
«These children lived through a pandemic and now face war. It’s important to show them they are not alone — that every achievement is a step toward their future,» said Mykola Byts.
How Does the Platform Support Teachers?
According to Mykola Byts, participation in the project opens new opportunities for educators.
«The «POVIR» platform supports our staff by offering professional development courses on overcoming learning loss. It’s a key requirement for participation. Teachers not only learn but also receive certificates confirming their expertise,» said Byts.
Teachers of any subject — not just math, Ukrainian, or English — can take part.
«These courses help update knowledge, adapt to modern methods, and apply new approaches with students. That’s essential today, as we must constantly seek new ways to engage learners,» added Nataliia Pidlisna.
Another major advantage is 24/7 support. If a student has difficulties, they can directly contact the project coordinators.
«Organizers stay in touch with both school administration and students. If a child doesn’t understand something or needs help, coordinators are always ready to respond,» explained Byts.
School Selection
The «POVIR» project started in Vinnytsia schools in early 2025. Three institutions were selected: Lyceum №35, Lyceum №33, and Lyceum №8. They were chosen among the top 50 schools in Ukraine based on a competitive selection.
«Ms. Nataliia and I passed the initial selection by completing an application form where we described our institution and vision for addressing learning gaps. Registration was open until the end of January. Later, during a general online conference, the list of selected schools was announced,» said Byts.
Learning Stages
Student registration began in February. Learning takes place in stages. It starts with short online sessions — so-called «sprints» — lasting 30 minutes. These sessions introduce the topic and assess the student’s current knowledge.
«After each stage, students complete monitoring assessments, helping trainers identify exact knowledge gaps,» explained Pidlisna.
The next stage is the «marathon» — full-length sessions lasting an hour. Over ten lessons, students can master essential topics in a given subject.
Those who successfully complete the program receive an international certificate. Schools that meet all the project criteria may earn the title of «POVIR Satellite School».
«This distinction means that the school embraces innovation, continues to evolve, and is ready to meet educational challenges,» added Pidlisna.
Results and Prospects
Student learning will continue through the end of March, and teacher training courses will run until May 25, 2025. At the end of the project, top participants from across Ukraine will take part in the «POVIR Music Party».
Final results will be announced at the end of the academic year, including which schools receive the «POVIR Satellite School» status.
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