All across Ukraine children were excited for their first day of school, the Day of Knowledge. The younger kids proudly wore brightly colored new backpacks filled with an assortment of school supplies. Many students brought bouquets of flowers for their teachers.
Sadly, in Zaporizhzhia, the festivities were interrupted by sirens warning of air attacks. The children were forced to spend the first day of the new school year in makeshift classrooms, inside bomb shelters, where they would be safe from falling missiles and rockets.
Congratulations to the administrators, teachers, and children on the start of a new academic year. It is our honor and privilege to support all of them and their families, as they prepared for this day and the year ahead. We hope and pray that weeks and months ahead are less frightening and dangerous, and that the year will be filled with peace and learning. Together we save lives and restore hope.
