As children in Canada and many other countries excitedly prepare for a new school year, we must remember the stark reality faced by students in Ukraine. For some, this marks the 10th year of disrupted education, while others have endured three autumns of uncertainty and fear as Putin’s regime continues its aggression against the people of Ukraine.
In Ukraine, the back-to-school experience is far from normal:
- Children attend classes while listening to air raid sirens.
- Students and teachers live with the constant threat of rocket attacks.
- Many lessons take place in basement shelters rather than bright, spacious classrooms.
- Families never know how long they’ll need to remain in shelters as missiles continue to be fired.
A recent account from Kharkiv shared by Мирослав Откович on September 3rd https://www.facebook.com/Otkovych paints a heartbreaking picture:
I see a mother who, amidst the sound of sirens, has brought her children to school. A boy and a girl, about 10-12 years old. She brought them to a school with a shelter. These children will immediately go to the basement. They won’t have spacious classrooms with large windows and white, semi-transparent curtains bought with parents’ money. The air in the shelter will be stale. And this heavy air, like ozone, will be enriched by the children’s belief that a better future awaits them tomorrow.
Despite these unimaginable challenges, Ukrainian children and their families continue to prioritize education. Their resilience and hope for a better future shine through even in the darkest circumstances.
The Devastating Impact: Statistics and Facts
Sofiya Fedyna on September 2 https://www.facebook.com/sofiya.fedyna provides sobering statistics that highlight the severe impact of the russia mass killing in Ukraine on education:
- 570 children will not return to school this year because they were killed by russian forces.
- One in seven schools in Ukraine has been damaged due to russian shelling.
- 400 educational institutions have been completely destroyed, with another 3,500 suffering various degrees of damage.
- One million children are currently engaged in distance learning.
- In the Donetsk region alone, 32 education workers have been killed by russian attacks since the full-scale invasion began.
These numbers starkly demonstrate how the russian federation is attempting to destroy Ukraine’s future. The killing of children and the destruction of schools are part of an effort to eradicate the Ukrainian nation and its prospects.
This is not merely an act of aggression; it is genocide that must be condemned and punished by the international community. The actions of the russian federation demand an adequate response to ensure the protection and restoration of the right to education for future generations.
As we celebrate the start of a new school year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the bravery of Ukrainian students and educators. Consider ways to support organizations working to provide safe learning environments and resources for these children who are pursuing their education under the most difficult conditions imaginable.
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