Four years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, children, families and educators in Ukraine continue to face the devastating consequences. Hundreds of children have been killed, thousands injured and millions displaced. More than 1,700 schools have been damaged or destroyed, while repeated attacks on energy infrastructure leave families without reliable heat, light or water during the freezing winter months.
73 per cent of children in Ukraine report feeling unsafe, with many experiencing ongoing anxiety, fear, sadness and psychological distress. One in four young people aged 15-19 say they are losing hope for their future. As the country enters a fourth academic year under full-scale war, 4.6 million children are struggling to access education, and one in three is unable to study in school due to damaged school buildings.
In occupied areas, children have been denied their right to learn Ukrainian and have been exposed to militarisation, and propaganda. Living in a constant state of alert, regularly sheltering from attacks and cut off from normal social interaction, has created serious impacts on their mental and physical wellbeing.
Despite these challenges, educators and unions continue working to keep education alive. The National Education Union stands in solidarity with the Trade Union of Science and Education Workers of Ukraine and will continue to support all efforts to support children’s continued learning. Safeguarding education is essential to defending children’s rights and restoring hope in Ukraine.