Traditions of Ukrainian National-Patriotic Education in Comprehensive Schools: the Golden Heritage of Ukrainian Intellectuals (1990-2009)

The article states that Ukraine is currently going through difficult times, which convincingly proves the need for national and patriotic education of the younger generation. It has been proven that a significant role in this process is assigned to an educational institution, which should become a center for the formation of a citizen-patriot of Ukraine, ready to selflessly build an independent, democratic state, care about its national security, increase the well-being of people, contribute to the unity of the Ukrainian people and the establishment of peace and harmony in society. School is a child’s living space; here he does not just prepare for life, but lives. Therefore, educational work is planned in such a way as to promote the formation of the individual as a creator and designer of life, the harmonization and humanization of relations between students and teachers, school and family, guided by the ideas of the intrinsic value of childhood, democratic dialogue between generations. It was found that extracurricular activities play an important role in this. Their goal is to satisfy children’s interests and needs, develop their creative potential, inclinations and abilities in various areas of activity and communication. The dominant role in its organization belongs to the class teacher, who is primarily the organizer of extracurricular educational activities. It is the teacher who is entrusted with the grand mission of teaching, developing and, most importantly, educating children. Each teacher must demonstrate by his own actions and cultivate in his students love for both his native land and for the entire multinational Ukraine.