Ukraine’s Classrooms: A Nation’s Resilience Forged in Conflict

KYIV, Ukraine – The air raid sirens are almost commonplace now, a chilling soundtrack to the daily lives of millions of Ukrainians. But within the walls of schools – and increasingly, beneath them – a quiet defiance is taking shape. Despite relentless attacks and widespread displacement, Ukraine is fiercely protecting its education system, viewing it not just as a pathway to knowledge, but as a cornerstone of national survival.

“During war, education goes beyond academic knowledge. It’s about preserving childhood, fostering empathy, and instilling a sense of responsibility,” First Lady Olena Zelenska told worldys.news in a recent interview. Her words echo a sentiment deeply held across the country: that even amidst destruction, the future must be nurtured.

From Shelters to Screens: Adapting to a New Reality

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the landscape of Ukrainian education has been irrevocably altered. According to Save the Children, the equivalent of roughly 150 classrooms of children – approximately 3,000 – have been killed or injured. Over 400 academic institutions have been completely destroyed, and nearly 4,000 more severely damaged. The result is a desperate scramble to adapt.

The most visible change is the rise of underground schools. Roughly 200 have been established since 2022, fortified spaces equipped with desks, chairs, and learning materials, offering a semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos. But for many, even that is inaccessible. More than 430,000 students now rely entirely on remote learning, their classrooms existing solely online due to lack of shelter or ongoing occupation. In total, approximately 11% of Ukrainian students are learning exclusively online.

This shift wasn’t born of the war, however. Ukraine had already been investing heavily in digital infrastructure. Between 2019 and 2021, the country focused on remote learning initiatives, broadcasting lessons online and offering IT certification programs. This groundwork proved invaluable when the conflict erupted, allowing for a relatively swift transition to online education. As of July, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ranked Ukraine first in the world for digital technology usage in classrooms among countries participating in the Programme for International Student Assessment.

A Legacy of Literacy Under Threat

Ukraine’s commitment to education predates the current conflict. Since gaining independence in 1991, the government has consistently prioritized educational investment. Between 2001 and 2021, Ukraine allocated an average of 15% of its gross domestic product to education – a significantly higher proportion than the roughly 6% seen in the United States, according to World Bank data.

This investment has yielded remarkable results. Ukraine boasts a literacy rate of 99.97%, making it one of the most literate nations globally. This strong educational foundation has, in turn, fostered innovation and success. Ukrainian mathematician Maryna Viazovska’s recent Fields Medal – the highest honor in mathematics – is just one example. The country is also the birthplace of tech entrepreneurs like Max Levchin, co-founder of PayPal, and Jan Koum, co-founder of WhatsApp.

The Human Cost: Displacement and Abduction

The war, however, is eroding these gains. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that 10.6 million Ukrainians – a quarter of the population – are currently displaced. Roughly one-third of these refugees are children.

Adding to the tragedy, nearly 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russian forces, a crime condemned internationally. These children face an uncertain future, separated from their families and their homeland.

A Network of Support: Public-Private Partnerships

In response to these challenges, a wave of new initiatives has emerged, bridging the gap between government efforts and grassroots support. Organizations like Osvitoria, Teach for Ukraine, and Learn and Teach UA are providing vital resources to educators and students. The Olena Zelenska Foundation, launched in 2022, has already helped create 17 school shelters, accommodating over 7,500 students.

“The core audience of the Foundation’s projects is children, teenagers, and young people – those living through the realities of war today, and at the same time those who will shape Ukraine’s future,” Zelenska explained. “Partners from more than 30 countries have already joined us, and together we work to ensure that despite all Russian attacks, our children not only survive – but have every opportunity to develop, learn, and dream.”

The situation remains dire, but the resilience of the Ukrainian people – and their unwavering commitment to education – offers a glimmer of hope. As Zelenska eloquently put it, “The words ‘education’ and ‘light’ sound similar in Ukrainian. This is not accidental, as they come from the same root word. By investing in education, including safe learning spaces, mental health support, and digital access, we move toward light and hope.”