War’s Lasting Impact on Ukraine’s Education System

Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s education system has faced relentless challenges, with over 1,800 schools damaged or destroyed, according to UNICEF. This devastation has stripped countless children of safe spaces to learn, exacerbating a crisis that goes far beyond shattered infrastructure.Nelson Rodrigues, UNICEF Ukraine Education Specialist, shared with UN News’s Nargiz Shekinskaya that the ongoing conflict disrupts not only classrooms but also the psychological well-being of students. Constant air raid alerts force children to seek safety in underground shelters, while the uncertainty of war takes a heavy emotional toll, undermining their ability to focus on education.The disruption is profound. Children in Ukraine must summon extraordinary resilience to continue learning amidst the chaos of bombings and displacement. Schools, once places of growth and stability, are now symbols of loss for many. Rodrigues emphasized that the crisis is not just about rebuilding physical structures but also about addressing the mental health challenges faced by students living under constant threat. The right to education, a cornerstone of childhood development, is at risk for millions.UNICEF and other organizations are working to provide alternative learning solutions, such as online education and temporary facilities, but the scale of the crisis demands global attention. The international community must prioritize funding and resources to restore safe learning environments and support the mental health of Ukraine’s youth. As the war persists, ensuring these children can reclaim their right to education remains a critical humanitarian challenge.