The Day of Knowledge in Ukraine (September 1st) marks the first day of school, when children return to their classrooms wearing new clothes and shoes and carrying bouquets of flowers for their teachers. For the fourth time in as many years, many children will miss out on the joy and excitement of the day, due to the danger of the ongoing crisis. (There have been more than 1,500 reported attacks on schools over the past 3 ½ years). Sadly, some of the older children have missed even more school, due to the COVID related closures that preceded the war. Many children returned to the classrooms in the fall of 2021 after missing nearly a whole year, and just 6 months later the rockets and missiles forced them back to online learning. Many studies have documented the detrimental impact of disrupting primary school education for children, with substantial lags in reading and math skills as well as more prevalent emotional issues. Kids are missing out on many other important aspects of school including connections with their teachers and peers and extracurricular activities.
Not long after the crisis began, new government regulations in Ukraine required schools to greatly expand bomb shelters to accommodate students and teachers for a full day of learning. In some schools the existing bomb shelters were improved and extended, while in other schools construction of new facilities was required. In addition, the spaces had to be furnished with desks and chairs, generators had to be purchased and installed, and supplies of water and snacks had to be continually replenished.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of our leaders, staff, and volunteers, and the generosity of donors around the world, in the fall and early winter of 2022, we opened nearly 40 schools and kindergartens around the country, welcoming students back to their classrooms. We provided the children with brightly colored backpacks filled with school supplies. Additionally, we helped many families who had moved to different cities fleeing the front lines of the war, by getting their kids enrolled in new schools and providing other needed support. For the past two years, in response to the extreme financial hardships facing many parents, we provided vouchers for new clothes and shoes so children could return to school comfortable and confident.
We are once again preparing for the Day of Knowledge in Ukraine when more than a million children will return to their classrooms to begin another academic year. We are distributing new backpacks and supplies to younger kids, adding to their excitement. Unfortunately, many hours and days will undoubtedly be spent in the underground classrooms, to escape the missiles and rockets. Sadly, an even larger number of children will be forced to remain at home when the school year begins, as many schools remain shuttered and or destroyed. Fortunately, online learning provides kids opportunities to keep up with their education, but frequent power outages and other disruptions create endless challenges.
It is our privilege to continue to support the children of Ukraine and their families as they prepare for a new school year. We are ensuring the kids have appropriate medical care (including vision and dental care) and psychological counseling, clothes, shoes, backpacks, and school supplies.
Together we save lives and restore hope.
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