Challenges and Innovations in Education for Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing War

Challenges Faced by Ukrainian Children in Education

The past few years have been exceptionally challenging for Ukrainian children, impacting their access to education. Initially, they were confronted with the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the ongoing repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For many children, particularly those around the age of seven, this marks their first experience of entering a school environment. Unfortunately, some students are receiving their lessons in bomb shelters due to the dire circumstances.

On Monday, as Ukrainian children were meant to return to school, many faced unexpected cancellations of classes due to damage inflicted by a series of explosions throughout Ukraine, including the capital, Kyiv. Firefighters were seen extinguishing fires after a rocket struck a building belonging to a higher education institution in Kyiv on September 2, 2024.

According to reports from the Interior Ministry, debris from intercepted missiles and drones landed in every district of Kyiv, leading to damage at two nurseries. In response to these threats, some educational activities are now being conducted in bomb shelters to ensure the safety of the children.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, visited Zaporizhzhia, a city situated close to the front lines of the conflict. During their visit, they participated in the opening of the academic year at an underground school, where classes are being held in a secure environment. Prime Minister Schoof took this opportunity to present several copies of Dutch children’s books to Ukrainian students. He remarked, “We had a number of Dutch books translated, including ‘Jip en Janneke’. So I was able to hand that out to the six and seven-year-olds. That was really nice, to be able to give something that almost every Dutch person grew up with to this school.”

During his inaugural visit to Ukraine, Schoof also reaffirmed his country’s unwavering support for Ukraine amid the conflict, announcing an allocation of more than €200 million to bolster Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Impact of War on Education and Refugee Children

Children participating in mine safety training at a rehabilitation camp for those affected by the war, organized by the Voices of Children charity foundation, highlight the ongoing impact of the conflict. The past few years have been significantly disruptive to the educational journey of Ukrainian children. Initially forced into online learning due to the pandemic, this was followed by displacements caused by the war, displacing millions.

Many Ukrainian families who fled to neighboring Poland have continued their studies remotely, often without ever returning to a traditional classroom setting. However, as the new school year commenced on Monday, a new Polish law was introduced, mandating that Ukrainian refugee children attend school. Families that fail to comply face the risk of losing the 800 zloty (approximately €187) monthly benefit provided for each child under 18 years old. The only exception to this rule applies to students who are in their final year of high school, as Poland’s Education Ministry recognizes the challenges of mastering the Polish language and curriculum ahead of graduation exams in the spring.

Poland, which hosts the second-largest population of Ukrainian war refugees in the West after Germany, is home to a significant number of women and children. As of June, the UNHCR estimated that over 957,000 Ukrainian refugees were residing in Poland, a nation with a population of 38 million.

The Situation in Russia

In a contrasting narrative, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed students in Kyzyl on their first day back to school. He expressed his thoughts for children from the Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions who have been compelled to study online due to the ongoing fighting near the border. “Of course, the country, and our Armed Forces will do everything to ensure that normal life in these regions, normal life for these children is restored,” Putin stated.

Reports from Russia’s state television indicate that local schools in Kursk have been equipped with bomb shelters in anticipation of the ongoing incursions from Ukraine into the region.