Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children returned to school on Monday after the summer holidays, amid intense Russian attacks across the country and power cuts caused by the attacks on the energy system.
The day, which is supposed to be festive in nature, began with air raid sirens that sounded for hours while explosions were heard in Kiev, Jarkov, Sumi and other cities, where two schools were damaged.
Only one hour after the end of the air raid alert in Lvivfamilies with their children dressed for the occasion went to their schools.
Official ceremonies were kept to a minimum and only those starting their first and last school years took part in a short event, followed by some games for the little ones.
Safety above all
“These kids still need a party,” he told EFE Valentina Zvezhinskadirector of the Municipal Lyceum No. 21 in Lvivwhich welcomes primary and secondary school students.
For the school, ensuring the safety and quality of education is the highest priority, he stressed.
Although Lviv suffers fewer attacks than other cities such as Kievthe feeling of danger is always present and some parents go to pick up their children every time an air raid alarm sounds.
Hundreds of students sometimes spend several hours a week in the school basement, where they cannot continue with classes but are better protected from Russian missiles.
Teachers must remain calm despite everything, as children often notice their mood, explained one of the teachers, Tetiana Volodimirina.
The weight of war
Being honest about the danger with children is important, he stressed. Zvezhinskaeven more so when all Ukrainian families are already feeling the effects of the war.
Near the entrance to the school hang seven photos of former students killed in combat, while some of the parents have also died or are currently fighting.
Teachers continue to work hard despite having lost their own children, as in the case of Larisa Zabavchukwhose son Nicholas He died after volunteering for the Army more than two years ago.
“Her pain was immense. I didn’t know what to say, other than to curse the Russian murderers. But despite everything, she is still able to give so much to the children in our centre,” she stressed. Zvezhinska.
Children often send drawings to soldiers at the front, while the school also helps buy medical supplies for the town’s military hospital. Several flags signed by soldiers hang on the walls.
Continued danger
Around 150 students from the centre remain abroad.
An estimated 400,000 children in total are continuing their education in Ukrainian schools online from abroad, while another 600,000 are doing so from within the country due to the constant danger.
Nearly 2,000 schools have been damaged so far by Russian strikes, including 200 that were completely destroyed.
Only a few centres have air raid shelters capable of protecting against a direct hit by a missile or aerial bomb.
In Jarkov (northeast), several thousand children attend classes in makeshift schools in metro stations or in a specially built underground centre.
But only a small fraction of the total have been able to return to school there and in other areas near the front.
In addition to power and internet cuts, the impact on the quality of education has been adverse, while the lack of communication with peers can affect mental health and development, the report has warned. Ministry of Education.
Determination
Despite all the challenges, a spirit of quiet determination reigns at the Lviv high school.
He is preparing for longer power outages in the winter with an electric generator and a wood-burning heating system.
“We are doing everything we can to continue teaching here instead of online, for as long as possible,” he explained. Zvezhinska.
Some people abroad may be “getting tired” of the war, but Ukrainians, no matter how tired they may be, have no choice but to adapt as best they can to enemy attacks, the deputy director stressed. Galina Stepanivna. EFE
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