The Resilience of Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict

As Ukraine enters its fifth year of war, the city of Kharkiv has adapted its educational infrastructure to ensure continuity for its youth. In the northeastern district of Saltivka, an underground bunker has been transformed into a school, serving 1,200 students aged 6 to 17. This facility is one of seven underground schools in Kharkiv, with plans to expand to 43 by spring 2026, aiming to accommodate 80,000 children. Despite the ongoing threat of shelling, local authorities are committed to providing a stable learning environment. Teacher Olena Vuideva notes that students are performing better than at the beginning of the invasion, having regained a sense of stability after initial displacements.

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The psychological well-being of students is a priority in these underground schools. Olha Romanenko, the school psychologist, reports that a recent screening of 100 students revealed only three with concerning signs of trauma. The school employs various activities, including dance and language classes, to foster a supportive environment. Romanenko emphasizes the importance of providing children with reassurance amid the chaos of war, stating, “We absolutely must give children the feeling that everything will be okay.”

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The impact of the war is palpable among the students. Seventeen-year-old Bohdan expresses his love for Ukraine, stating, “I don’t want to leave Ukraine. It’s my city, it’s my country.” While he does not plan to join the military, he acknowledges the importance of first aid training due to the frequent bombings. His peers, Yaroslav and Ania, also share their aspirations and concerns, with Ania's father currently serving as a volunteer. The emotional toll of having a parent in combat is significant, as Vuideva notes that 42 parents from their school are serving in the army.

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When a student loses a parent in the conflict, the school implements immediate support measures. Romanenko explains that they surround the grieving child with care and evaluate their emotional state, providing personalized follow-up and referrals to outside specialists if needed. Teachers are instructed to be attentive and tactful, ensuring that grief remains a private matter. Despite these challenges, Vuideva remains optimistic about her students, stating, “They are very brave. They are full of dreams.”

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In a classroom of younger students, aspirations are mixed with the harsh realities of war. When asked about their dreams, children express desires to become dentists or veterinarians, but many also wish for the war to end so they can return to school in daylight. The resilience of these children is evident, as they navigate their hopes and fears in a world shaped by conflict.

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The ongoing war in Ukraine has profoundly affected the lives of its children, yet their resilience shines through in their education and aspirations. As local authorities and educators strive to provide stability and support, the future remains uncertain, but the spirit of the youth endures.

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