Live From The Field

May 8, 2025

Stop the Liquidation of the Berdychiv Sports Lyceum!
A heartfelt cry from a deputy and hundreds of parents, children, and educators
As a deputy of the Zhytomyr Regional Council, I have been approached by parents, students, and the staff of the Berdychiv Sports Lyceum of the Zhytomyr Regional Council with pain in their hearts and a single request — do not let their educational home, their sports family, be destroyed.
Recently, a meeting was held within the walls of the lyceum where representatives of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration officially announced: the lyceum will be liquidated. Staff will remain employed until May 30 — and then, that’s it. Dismissals. Empty hallways. Shattered dreams.
This news has caused genuine shock and deep concern among hundreds of parents and children. Because this is not just a school — this is where future champions grow, where character is shaped, and where the will to win is forged.
This institution is young, but already successful. In just a few years of operation, it has achieved more than some schools have in decades:
• A strong teaching team
• A well-equipped athletic infrastructure
• Outstanding sports achievements
• A shared belief in the future that unites students, parents, and teachers
When the Berdychiv Sports Lyceum was created, everyone believed: this would be the pride of the district, a pillar of Ukrainian sports. And now, just as this institution begins to spread its wings, they want to ruthlessly cut them off. No! We will not allow this!
Today we held a community meeting — with parents, staff, and concerned residents. The agenda had two items:
1.
All participants unanimously voted against the liquidation of the institution. 2.
A working group of 7 people was formed to represent the lyceum before all authorities and defend its right to exist.
We appeal to the Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, Vitalii Ivanovych Bunechko, and to the entire Zhytomyr Regional Council — hear our voice!
You created it!
Stop the liquidation process!
Save the lyceum!
Do not let what has become the heart of Berdychiv’s sports life be destroyed.
This is not just a building. This is a home. This is the future of our children.
And we will fight for it to the very end.
#StopTheLiquidation
#SaveTheLyceum
#BerdychivSportsLyceum
#ZhytomyrRegionForSports
#ChildrenHaveARightToTheFuture
#Onufriienko_UnifiedByThePeople
#OnufriienkoWasHere
#UN #ONA
*З повагою*
*Наталія Онуфрієнко*