In Kharkiv, a girl was bullied for her parents' refusal to contribute 200 UAH for a teacher's gift: her dad is at the front, and her mom was removed from the chat.

A scandal has erupted in Kharkiv regarding fundraising at Lyceum No. 24. The parents of one of the students were removed from the parent chat because they did not contribute 200 hryvnias for flowers and a gift for the teacher.

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The girl's mother, Tatyana Ochkurenko, shared her story in the Facebook group "Parents SOS."

According to her, during the first grade, parents contributed money several times for food bags and cash for the teacher. However, before the school year in the second grade, she refused to contribute 200 hryvnias for flowers and a gift for the teacher:

"I said I didn't want to promote corruption, and I wouldn't give any money. After that, I and my husband (who was on the front line that day) were removed from the parent chat without any explanation."

Soon, according to the woman, the teacher told the children that next time, the daughter of Ochkurenko would not be allowed to go on the metro trip with the class due to a lack of space. The girl returned home from school in tears, and that night she had a meltdown.

Tatyana addressed the director of the lyceum and raised the issue of forced contributions. She stated that the money spent on flowers and gifts would be better used for turnstiles or support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The director assured her that the situation would be resolved and issued an order prohibiting any fundraising.

However, according to Tatyana, money continues to be collected in the parent chat.

What does the school say?

Journalists reached out for comments from the school administration. The deputy director confirmed that Tatyana indeed spoke with the director. The director himself, Valeriy Kolesnyk, stated:

"I was assured that there are no fundraising activities. I issued an order from the educational institution prohibiting any fundraising. But there are parents who independently initiate something among themselves on a private basis."

Kolesnyk added that assistance should be voluntary and reminded that the school collects funds exclusively for the needs of the army.

What should parents do?

Educational ombudsman Sergey Gorbatchev reminded:

• Cash contributions in schools are illegal. Any donations must go through an official account.
• Fundraising is voluntary. If parents are threatened or coerced into giving money, they should submit a written request to the director or the education department.

And for now…

Tatyana's family has returned to the chat, but the conflict left an unpleasant residue. The girl continues to feel that "if money is not given, the whole family will be bullied."