Background on the Situation
More than three years after Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian parents are eager for their children to attend regular classes. As a result, the new school year has begun with an unusual twist: lessons are being held in underground schools.
Approximately 17,000 children in Yarkovy, Ukraine’s second-largest city and a frequent target of Russian attacks, are enrolled in these subterranean schools. Currently, seven such schools are operational, with plans to open more in the upcoming year.
Parental Perspectives and School Environment
Anastasia Pochergina, a parent of a first-grader, shared her experience on the first day of school: “Today, my son went to class for the first time in an underground school, the closest one to Saltivka North, a suburb often targeted by Russian attacks.”
“The school is three stories underground, and we were told it’s the deepest in Yarkovy. That’s why I believe it’s safe. We didn’t expect to have this opportunity this year, but as a mother, I was desperate for my daughter to attend a normal school,” Pochergina explained.
Despite her cautious optimism, Pochergina acknowledged the reality of the situation: “We hoped things would improve, but we didn’t expect full peace… Nor did we anticipate returning to traditional, physical schools because we understand the situation and don’t harbor illusions.”
School Operations and Additional Learning Spaces
Teachers encouraged students to enter the classrooms swiftly, guiding them down stairwells by the hand. Younger and older children attend fully-equipped classrooms, attempting to bring some normalcy to their lives amidst the ongoing conflict.
Yarkovy’s mayor, Ihor Terejov, announced plans to open three more underground schools in the coming year. Additionally, six metro stations in Yarkovy have been transformed into classrooms to support the children’s education.
“This school is near the Russia border. Today, we opened two schools in the Nova Saltivka district, just like this one,” Terejov said. “You can see how deep it goes. The depth is crucial for the school’s safety; there are 1,500 students here.”
Student Experiences
Six-year-old Maria Yampolska expressed her joy about starting art and play activities in the classroom on her first day:
“I’m happy to be here today, even though I couldn’t attend kindergarten due to the war,” she admitted candidly.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current educational situation in Ukraine? Due to the ongoing conflict with Russia, many schools in Ukraine have been forced to operate in underground facilities to ensure the safety of students and teachers.
- How many children are currently attending underground schools in Yarkovy? Approximately 17,000 children are enrolled in these subterranean schools.
- What are the plans for expanding underground education in Yarkovy? The city intends to open three more underground schools and has already transformed six metro stations into classrooms.
- How are students and parents reacting to this unconventional educational approach? While cautiously optimistic, parents and students are grateful for the opportunity to continue learning in a relatively safe environment amidst the conflict.
