A regional advertising campaign has been launched to encourage girls to enroll in Poltava region’s military-physical training lyceums. The organizer of the campaign is the NGO Divergent Woman, in cooperation with the Kremenchuk and Poltava Lyceums, the Department of Education and Science of the Poltava Regional State Administration, and the Poltava Regional Military Administration.
In the coming days, billboards and city scrolls featuring confident young women in uniform will appear across cities in the region, inviting girls to enroll in Poltava's military-physical training lyceums. The campaign will also be widely promoted across all communities not only through outdoor advertising but also on social media. The initiative is spearheaded by Divergent Woman, led by Yuliia Tsybulska, deputy of the Poltava Regional Council and entrepreneur.
"Our organization has been supporting women since 2018," says Ms. Yuliia. "We focus on women's health, professional development, and economic empowerment. Today, Ukraine faces unprecedented threats, and we are highlighting the important role of women as defenders. In November 2024, we initiated a project to draw attention to our two regional lyceums, where future defenders of Ukraine are being educated — individuals to whom we owe our security, well-being, and lives. We aim to promote these institutions to encourage more girls to join. Currently, 20 girls are studying at the Kremenchuk Lyceum, with female students also at the Poltava institution. Our goal is to at least double this number and to tell the inspiring stories of the girls already on this path. We are launching a two-month advertising campaign and hope for support from advertisers who can legally place social advertisements free of charge, ensuring fruitful collaboration with all 60 communities, particularly in Kremenchuk, Poltava, Horishni Plavni, Lubny, Myrhorod, and beyond."
Another objective of the organization is to accelerate the adaptation of uniforms and undergarments to women's physiological needs. Special undergarments, developed at the request of the Ministry of Defense, underwent a nine-month certification process but are now available — a sign of growing attention to women in the military. Notably, girls at the Kremenchuk Lyceum have already received such items as a gift from Divergent Woman.
"The war has proven that strength knows no gender," says Oleksandr Bilenkyi, Head of the Poltava Regional Council. "Today, women fight, heal, and lead. They are the backbone of Ukraine. We are opening enrollment for girls into Poltava’s lyceums because courage is not about gender but about choice. Our lyceums are more than just schools — they are institutions of leadership, character, and responsibility. Poltava region proudly supports those ready to serve Ukraine with intellect, honor, and dignity."
"The advertising campaign helps attract applicants since many parents and children are unaware of the existence of such lyceums," notes Valerii Marchenko, Head of the Kremenchuk Military-Physical Training Lyceum named after Hero of Ukraine Vitalii Koval. "Based on experience, enrollment activity spikes following promotional efforts. For the second year now, we have been enrolling both boys and girls, with the number of students increasing annually."
The Kremenchuk Lyceum offers a unique combination of complete secondary education and enhanced military-physical training, with a curriculum that adheres to national education standards and focuses extensively on the subject "Defense of Ukraine." Great emphasis is placed on patriotic education, discipline, moral and volitional development, and fostering responsibility for one's future and that of the homeland.
"The Poltava Military-Physical Training Lyceum named after Vitalii Hrytsai is the youngest lyceum of its kind in Ukraine, established in 2023," adds Acting Head Oleksandr Balenko. "Our mission is to popularize military-applied skills and prepare students for survival — unfortunately, a necessity in wartime — while maintaining a safe, in-person learning environment."
"At both the Poltava and Kremenchuk lyceums, around 70% of students are children of military personnel," shares Yevhen Konchakovskyi, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Poltava Regional Military Administration. "We are pleased to see interest not only from boys but also from girls. Many asked whether girls could enroll — and the answer is yes. There's no need to fear military-physical training; otherwise, it’s like a regular school. After graduation, girls are not limited to military careers; they can pursue roles in the police, emergency services, and other structures."
"Since childhood, I have been fascinated by military service," says 16-year-old Sofiia Soldatova, a second-year cadet at the Kremenchuk Lyceum. "Besides regular subjects, we are taught discipline, endurance, and leadership here — essential qualities for wartime and for building my future military career. I plan to enroll in a higher military educational institution."
Sofiia enjoys studying at the lyceum, saying it has helped her find her path. Her friends, initially surprised, now admire her choice, and her military relatives — currently defending Ukraine — inspire her.
"They are strong individuals, and I admire them greatly," she says.
Similarly, Angelina Bovbas, a second-year cadet, was inspired by her godfather, a professional military officer.
"I want to be like him, which is why I chose this path," she says. "It teaches me discipline, leadership, and has given me many new friends — we are like one big family. I am also proud to continue my passion for boxing, where I am a candidate for Master of Sports. In the future, I hope to become an investigator."
Advantages of studying at the lyceums include:
"Applications are accepted from boys and girls who have completed Grade 9, are in good health, highly motivated, and aspire to receive an excellent education," stresses Valerii Marchenko. "Most of our graduates aim to pursue military careers. Last year, nearly 70% entered military institutions. Four of our graduates have been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine."
Applications for the Kremenchuk Lyceum are accepted until May 30, and for the Poltava Lyceum until June 13. Information about required documents and admission details can be found on the institutions' official websites:
We express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the photo shoot for the Kremenchuk Lyceum girls:
The advertising layouts were developed by the Giraff advertising agency: https://www.instagram.com/ra_giraff
Media contacts for the organizers:
In the coming days, billboards and city scrolls featuring confident young women in uniform will appear across cities in the region, inviting girls to enroll in Poltava's military-physical training lyceums. The campaign will also be widely promoted across all communities not only through outdoor advertising but also on social media. The initiative is spearheaded by Divergent Woman, led by Yuliia Tsybulska, deputy of the Poltava Regional Council and entrepreneur.
"Our organization has been supporting women since 2018," says Ms. Yuliia. "We focus on women's health, professional development, and economic empowerment. Today, Ukraine faces unprecedented threats, and we are highlighting the important role of women as defenders. In November 2024, we initiated a project to draw attention to our two regional lyceums, where future defenders of Ukraine are being educated — individuals to whom we owe our security, well-being, and lives. We aim to promote these institutions to encourage more girls to join. Currently, 20 girls are studying at the Kremenchuk Lyceum, with female students also at the Poltava institution. Our goal is to at least double this number and to tell the inspiring stories of the girls already on this path. We are launching a two-month advertising campaign and hope for support from advertisers who can legally place social advertisements free of charge, ensuring fruitful collaboration with all 60 communities, particularly in Kremenchuk, Poltava, Horishni Plavni, Lubny, Myrhorod, and beyond."
Another objective of the organization is to accelerate the adaptation of uniforms and undergarments to women's physiological needs. Special undergarments, developed at the request of the Ministry of Defense, underwent a nine-month certification process but are now available — a sign of growing attention to women in the military. Notably, girls at the Kremenchuk Lyceum have already received such items as a gift from Divergent Woman.
"The war has proven that strength knows no gender," says Oleksandr Bilenkyi, Head of the Poltava Regional Council. "Today, women fight, heal, and lead. They are the backbone of Ukraine. We are opening enrollment for girls into Poltava’s lyceums because courage is not about gender but about choice. Our lyceums are more than just schools — they are institutions of leadership, character, and responsibility. Poltava region proudly supports those ready to serve Ukraine with intellect, honor, and dignity."
"The advertising campaign helps attract applicants since many parents and children are unaware of the existence of such lyceums," notes Valerii Marchenko, Head of the Kremenchuk Military-Physical Training Lyceum named after Hero of Ukraine Vitalii Koval. "Based on experience, enrollment activity spikes following promotional efforts. For the second year now, we have been enrolling both boys and girls, with the number of students increasing annually."
The Kremenchuk Lyceum offers a unique combination of complete secondary education and enhanced military-physical training, with a curriculum that adheres to national education standards and focuses extensively on the subject "Defense of Ukraine." Great emphasis is placed on patriotic education, discipline, moral and volitional development, and fostering responsibility for one's future and that of the homeland.
"The Poltava Military-Physical Training Lyceum named after Vitalii Hrytsai is the youngest lyceum of its kind in Ukraine, established in 2023," adds Acting Head Oleksandr Balenko. "Our mission is to popularize military-applied skills and prepare students for survival — unfortunately, a necessity in wartime — while maintaining a safe, in-person learning environment."
"At both the Poltava and Kremenchuk lyceums, around 70% of students are children of military personnel," shares Yevhen Konchakovskyi, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Poltava Regional Military Administration. "We are pleased to see interest not only from boys but also from girls. Many asked whether girls could enroll — and the answer is yes. There's no need to fear military-physical training; otherwise, it’s like a regular school. After graduation, girls are not limited to military careers; they can pursue roles in the police, emergency services, and other structures."
"Since childhood, I have been fascinated by military service," says 16-year-old Sofiia Soldatova, a second-year cadet at the Kremenchuk Lyceum. "Besides regular subjects, we are taught discipline, endurance, and leadership here — essential qualities for wartime and for building my future military career. I plan to enroll in a higher military educational institution."
Sofiia enjoys studying at the lyceum, saying it has helped her find her path. Her friends, initially surprised, now admire her choice, and her military relatives — currently defending Ukraine — inspire her.
"They are strong individuals, and I admire them greatly," she says.
Similarly, Angelina Bovbas, a second-year cadet, was inspired by her godfather, a professional military officer.
"I want to be like him, which is why I chose this path," she says. "It teaches me discipline, leadership, and has given me many new friends — we are like one big family. I am also proud to continue my passion for boxing, where I am a candidate for Master of Sports. In the future, I hope to become an investigator."
Advantages of studying at the lyceums include:
- High level of physical training;
- Education aligned with military standards;
- Preparation for admission to military and civilian higher education institutions;
- Free accommodation, five daily meals, and full uniform provision.
"Applications are accepted from boys and girls who have completed Grade 9, are in good health, highly motivated, and aspire to receive an excellent education," stresses Valerii Marchenko. "Most of our graduates aim to pursue military careers. Last year, nearly 70% entered military institutions. Four of our graduates have been awarded the title Hero of Ukraine."
Applications for the Kremenchuk Lyceum are accepted until May 30, and for the Poltava Lyceum until June 13. Information about required documents and admission details can be found on the institutions' official websites:
- Poltava Lyceum: https://plpvfp.pp.ua/index.php
- Kremenchuk Lyceum: https://www.krvl.org.ua/home/
We express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the photo shoot for the Kremenchuk Lyceum girls:
- Studios: @atmosphere_photostudio_ and @iamstudio_iamamodel
- Photographer: @alina_r.a.w
- Model posing workshop instructors: Viktoriia Borshch @viktori_bi and Valeriia Lysytsia @lisitsavaleria
- Make-up artists: Liudmyla Pedchenko @muariarty, Maryna Nedavnia, Daryna Dolmasheva, Nataliia Polivara, and Khrystyna Khodos
The advertising layouts were developed by the Giraff advertising agency: https://www.instagram.com/ra_giraff
Media contacts for the organizers:
- NGO Divergent Woman: https://divergentwoman.com/
- Phone: +380501497063
- Email: womandivergent@gmail.com