President Zelensky of Ukraine has urged for the maximum number of schools to be opened for in-person learning as the school year approaches on Sept. 1. Due to the ongoing full-scale war with Russia, many children have been studying virtually to avoid the threat of attacks. This conflict has resulted in the destruction or damage of one in seven schools in Ukraine, forcing 1.6 million children out of education. Only schools equipped with bomb shelters are allowed to operate offline, with approximately 900,000 children currently studying remotely. The UN reports that only one-third of Ukrainian children are able to attend schools in person, while another third learn online and the final third learn through a hybrid approach due to the continued threat of attacks.
To prepare for the start of the school year and a return to some level of normalcy, Ukrainian officials have been investing heavily in building school shelters for civilians to seek refuge in case of attacks. Cities like Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia are setting up shelters in schools to ensure that offline education can resume safely. Deputy Education Minister Yevhen Kudriavets has reported that over 3,500 educational institutions have been damaged due to the Russian invasion, with nearly 400 of them almost completely destroyed. This destruction has significantly impacted the ability of children to access education, making it crucial for schools to ensure safety measures are in place.
On August 30, a tragic attack in Kharkiv resulted in the death of a 14-year-old girl and injuries to at least 18 other children. A total of seven people were killed, and 77 were injured in the attack, highlighting the ongoing violence and danger faced by civilians in Ukraine. This incident occurred alongside other key developments, including Ukrainian forces advancing into Kursk Oblast and Russia claiming to have downed 18 drones overnight. President Zelensky has been actively responding to these attacks and developments, emphasizing the need for continued support and vigilance in the face of the Russian aggression.
The impact of the war in Ukraine extends beyond direct attacks on civilians, affecting the education system and the lives of children. With a significant number of schools destroyed or damaged, many children have been forced into remote learning or hybrid approaches to education. The limited access to in-person schooling has not only disrupted the learning process but has also created challenges for children’s overall well-being and mental health. The ongoing conflict has made it crucial for authorities to prioritize the safety of children and invest resources in ensuring that schools are equipped to provide a safe learning environment amidst the continued threat of attacks.
As the new school year approaches, efforts are being made to reopen schools and provide children with the opportunity to return to in-person learning. Building school shelters and implementing safety measures are critical steps in ensuring that children can access education without fear for their safety. The tragic incident in Kharkiv serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by children in conflict zones and the urgent need for international support in protecting their right to education and safety. President Zelensky’s call for the maximum number of schools to reopen offline underscores the importance of prioritizing children’s education and well-being in the midst of ongoing violence and instability in Ukraine.
