The Swedish-Ukrainian Polaris Programme “Supporting Multilevel Governance in Ukraine” announces the third round of selection of hromadas for partnership in "Education at the Local and Regional Levels".

Following the selection, 10 hromadas will receive expert support in implementing education reform, improving education management and developing effective education networks.

Education is one of the most important areas of local self-government, requiring substantial budget resources and affecting the life of the entire hromada. Under martial law, hromadas must address financial and security challenges while continuing to implement education reforms required by legislation.

The partnership aims to provide practical support to hromadas in improving the quality of education services, strengthening their institutional capacity and resilience in the education sector amid growing challenges.

The partnership will run from 1 January 2027 to 31 May 2028. Memorandums of Cooperation will be signed with the selected hromadas.

What does the partnership include?

As part of the partnership, the Polaris Programme’s education team will provide hromadas with:

• an independent assessment of the current state and capacity of the hromada’s education system;
• practical support in implementing new education legislation and education reform measures;
• support in strengthening institutional capacity and education management, including the ability to work effectively under martial law;
• practical assistance in developing a local education strategy for a defined period;
• support in developing an effective network of education institutions, including preschools and specialised upper secondary schools;
• training on effective communication tools for engaging education stakeholders;
• advisory support in organising inclusive education in the hromada’s education institutions;
• training on conducting gender audits in the education sector and education institutions, followed by advisory support for carrying out audits in institutions selected for the partnership.

Selection criteria for partner hromadas

When assessing applications, the Polaris Programme will consider:

• clear evidence of the hromada’s need for support, political commitment and readiness to implement meaningful changes in the education sector;
• willingness to engage all education stakeholders in joint activities and introduce mechanisms for intermunicipal cooperation in education;
• readiness of hromada leadership, local education authorities and education institution managers to participate in activities organised by the Polaris education team;
• ability to objectively identify and describe challenges in the local education sector and outline expectations for future cooperation;
• a detailed overview of the hromada’s financial situation and education funding in the previous and current budget years;
• a detailed description of the hromada’s education network and changes made over the past three years;
• a brief overview of previous and ongoing cooperation with international technical assistance projects in education.

How to apply?

Applications may be submitted by hromada heads, their deputies or heads of local education authorities.

To apply, please complete the following steps by 22 November 2026:

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Attach a formal application letter signed by the hromada head or deputy head, outlining the hromada’s motivation and readiness to cooperate.

Key stages and deadlines

• 27 October 2026 – applications open.
• 22 November 2026 – application deadline.
• By 27 November 2026 – first stage: review of applications and supporting materials submitted by hromadas.
• By 4 December 2026 – second stage: online meetings with representatives of hromadas shortlisted in the first stage.
• By 22 December 2026 – in-person meetings with selected hromadas, if needed, and signing of Memorandums of Cooperation.

The selection results are expected to be announced in mid-December 2026.

For any questions, please contact us at oleh.fasolia@polaris.org.ua