Spring of 2022 was difficult for Ukrainian school students. After the full-scale invasion, dreams of peaceful learning began to fade, and teachers were forced to conduct lessons in extremely challenging conditions: in bomb shelters, basements, and sometimes even trenches on the front lines. Students who fled the country in search of safety had to quickly
adapt to learning in unfamiliar classrooms. Some combined the burden of studying abroad with online lessons from Ukrainian schools. For those who stayed at home, lessons had to be interrupted during air raids, only to return to studying when sirens signaled all clear. Despite all the difficulties and dangers that accompanied this time, Ukrainians proved that war cannot extinguish the desire to acquire knowledge.
Learning in War Conditions - Testimonies of Teachers
During the war, when efforts were focused on survival and protection, teachers remained faithful to their calling – to educate and share knowledge. Education became a kind of foundation of hope in the hardest times.
A Ukrainian language and literature teacher from Kyiv shares her experience: "The beginning of the war led us to sleepless nights and endless reflections. But we felt a responsibility to our students. We quickly organized online classes, used any available means of communication to enable children to continue learning in war conditions. The first lesson in the bomb shelter left a deep impression, but the liberating energy that we transmitted to the children was extraordinary."
The director of one of the general education schools in Mykolaiv Oblast recounts: "The first days of the war were a test for the entire team. We were obliged to ensure the safety of the children and at the same time provide all the conditions for quality education in war conditions. I remember how students during online lessons shared their first impressions of sirens and explosions. We did everything possible to maintain a more or less normal rhythm of learning in these difficult times."
A history teacher from Zhytomyr Oblast shares her memories: "The internet often disappeared due to shelling, so we had to work asynchronously. Imagine: we recorded summaries, prepared video lessons, and then tried to distribute them among our students. Sometimes it took a lot of time, but we tried not to cancel classes. The desire to teach and learn in war conditions was always stronger than all the challenges that surrounded us."
Learning During War Through the Eyes of Children
To get a full picture of learning in war conditions, let's find out the thoughts and experiences of those who had to receive education in these difficult circumstances.
Yehor, a fifth-grader: "We studied remotely through phones and computers. It was very difficult to concentrate on lessons when there were gunshots and explosions outside. But our teachers always supported us and tried to make the lessons interesting."
Sophia, a third-grade student: "Many of my classmates left the city, and I was sad. But the teacher was always in touch, she taught us online and helped as much as she could. Even my mom became my teacher at home, and we did homework together. I'm grateful to her for that."
Andriy, a ninth-grader: "Learning in war conditions made us strong and resilient. We felt the importance of education and that knowledge is our weapon. My school was destroyed in May 2022, there will never be the usual sounds of the bell and laughter in the hallways. But
our 9th grade and other classes continue to study online. This war has truly changed our lives, forced us to adapt to new conditions, but we did not allow it to stop us."
Acquiring Education Under Any Circumstances
Learning in war conditions is a trial not only for students but also for parents and educators. Fear and uncertainty have become constant companions in life. Teachers are forced to seek new ways of teaching, and parents have become support and mentors at home. These conditions teach children to show incredible strength of spirit and faith. We must persevere and do everything possible to ensure education in extremely difficult conditions, when it seems that the world around us is crumbling. This is not only acquiring knowledge but also a means of protection from the unknown. Remember that victory is near, and education is one of the steps towards a better and peaceful future.
How Can Teachers and Educators Adapt to the Unique Needs of Students Affected by War?
Children affected by war may find it challenging to process new information, ask for help, learn new things, and understand and express their emotions.
