The Impact of Attacks on Schools in Ukraine on Children
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Loading... - Cecile Sanchez
- 24 Oct 2024
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As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the consequences extend far beyond the battlefield, significantly affecting the nation's educational landscape. According to a recent report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), 1,306 educational facilities have been damaged, with 294 completely destroyed. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 3,800 schools have been impacted, highlighting the severe strain on Ukraine’s educational system and the mental health of children living under constant threat.
The Ongoing Assault on Education
Since the escalation of the conflict in 2022, schools have been repeatedly targeted, transforming places of learning into sites of destruction. Aerial bombs, artillery shelling, and rocket strikes have caused extensive damage, resulting in collapsed roofs, destroyed walls, and classrooms filled with debris. The war has disrupted the once carefree routines of children, replacing their days of exploration and play with anxiety and uncertainty.
Yanina, a 13-year-old from Lviv, reflects on the challenges of attending school amid air raid alerts. “It is difficult, especially if you have plans that you have to keep changing or cancelling because of the siren alarm,” she says. Many students, like Yanina, struggle to focus on their studies due to the constant threat of attacks.
The Psychological Impact
The psychological impact of the war on children is profound. Prolonged exposure to conflict leads to stress, anxiety, and sleep deprivation. Kseniia Sulyma, a psychologist from Kyiv, notes that children experience chronic lack of sleep, distracted attention, and fatigue as a result of the ongoing conflict. UNICEF estimates that around 1.5 million children in Ukraine are at risk of developing mental health issues, including depression and PTSD.
In response to these challenges, the Ukrainian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2019, committing to protect education from the effects of armed conflict. However, the reality on the ground remains grim, with many children relying on their schools as safe havens during air raid alerts.
Adapting to New Realities
With remote learning often hampered by power outages, many students prefer attending school in person, where they can access safe bomb shelters. Yanina expresses a preference for in-person classes, stating, “It is better to go to school rather than studying online, in addition to having a safe bomb shelter there.” Schools have adapted by implementing emergency protocols, with students carrying emergency bags and participating in activities during air raid alerts.
Teachers have taken on additional roles as mental health supporters, providing emotional support to students and monitoring their well-being. Yuliia, a teacher from Mykolaiv, shares her experience of teaching remotely after fleeing to Odessa. Upon returning, she found her school heavily damaged and many students struggling to cope with the loss of classmates.
The Long-Term Consequences
The long-term societal damage caused by the war is immense. The ongoing conflict disrupts not only education but also the emotional and psychological development of children. Teachers like Nataliia from Nalyvaikivka emphasize the need for more psychological assistance and tools to support their students. “Smiles and laughter are rarely heard in our school now,” she laments.
Despite the challenges, organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) are working to rehabilitate damaged schools and provide essential support. In 2024, the NRC rehabilitated 19 schools and trained 443 teachers through programs focused on trauma recovery and psychosocial support.
The attacks on schools in Ukraine have created a crisis that will resonate for generations. As children navigate the complexities of life in a war-torn country, the need for continued support and protection of their education and mental health is paramount. Ensuring that Ukrainian children have the opportunity to heal and rebuild their futures is essential for the country’s recovery and resilience in the face of ongoing adversity.
