Knowledge is stronger than fear: How we help children in Kharkiv Oblast

For Tatiana Pryadko and her son Roman, a first-grader at Sakhnovshchyna Lyceum, the opportunity to attend classes in person is a real chance for a full education. Because of the war and the pandemic, Roman never had time to experience kindergarten. Now, he is gradually getting to know his peers. Tetiana works as a teacher's assistant in the same institution. She watched the renovation of the shelter unfold before her eyes.

"Now I can't get enough of it because when there's an air raid siren, we don't waste time moving to a safer place. We exhale and continue with the lesson. Live communication, teacher support, and an interactive learning process are things that an online format cannot replace," says Tetiana.

Tetiana's words echo the experience of many families who have struggled with distance learning. Lack of direct contact with teachers, lack of equipment and difficulties in explaining the material have become a challenge for parents and children.

Educational challenges in the community

Of the 14 educational institutions in this community, only two lyceums have equipped accommodation. As a result, only some students can study full-time.

"In this lyceum, we have brought 10 classes to study. A special schedule has been drawn up, according to which the classes come to the school one after the other. The biggest problem is the education process in small villages where we used to bring children to study before the war. These children still study online. But we all understand that this format is not as effective," says Hryhoriy Perkin, Head of the Department of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports of the Sakhnovshchyna Village Council.

From shelter to educational space

Previously, the basement of the school was unsuitable for students. But since the renovation, it has been warm and safe. And thanks to the support of the people of the Czech Republic, the children can study in comfort. We provided the shelter with furniture and equipment necessary for education. We furnished a medical room, set up a dining room and installed fire-fighting equipment.

While parents still had doubts about the comfort of the shelter after the renovation was completed, the number of people willing to study offline has increased rapidly since the shelter was fully equipped. So far, 228 children have returned to their desks. Those whose parents have not yet given their consent are studying remotely. But thanks to the technology installed, teachers can interact with the children in real-time.

Iryna Kolupayeva, humanitarian projects coordinator for People in Need, highlights the importance of creating a safe environment for children: 

"Our priority is to give children the opportunity to continue their education even in such difficult conditions. Education is not only about knowledge but also about emotional well-being, stability and hope for the future. We are seeing how the construction of shelters is changing the attitude of parents and children towards the educational process, and that is a huge step forward."

Education as a pillar for the future

The People in Need initiatives cover not only the physical set-up of schools but also the training of teachers.

"We have also introduced support for school committees in these facilities, where we conduct training for teachers, parents and children. We help them to identify their immediate needs and to implement the main ideas they have," says Iryna Kolupayeva.

Darya Karniievska, a mother of two children studying at the lyceum, knows from her own experience how the pandemic and war have affected the development and socialisation of students.

"School is not only about knowledge—it is about society; it is about communication. Our children have lost many opportunities. Now we are happy every day when they can study with their peers," says Daria.

The renovated shelter gives the children not only the opportunity to study but also a sense of security, said the facility's director, Serhiy Prokopenko:

"Equipping the shelter has allowed us not only to continue the educational process but also to ensure the psychological comfort of the students. The children have a sense of stability, which is vital in times of war."

Education is not just about classes and books. It is about support, stability and confidence in the future. Thanks to such initiatives, even in the most difficult of times, children have a chance to grow, to develop and to believe that there is a future ahead of them in which they can realise their dreams.