Underground Education in Ukraine's War Zone
In the northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, students never face reprimands for gazing out classroom windows during lessons. This unique educational environment exists because their school operates deep underground, fortified against relentless missile attacks. For four years, the typical sounds of school hallways have been replaced by distant booms and tremors from Russian strikes.
A Teacher's Unconventional Classroom
Twenty-seven-year-old Tetiana has taught for six years, with most of that time spent underground amid air raid sirens and constant threats. Kharkiv, known as 'Smart City' for its concentration of universities, suffers regular power outages from attacks, transforming Tetiana's teaching into a challenge few educators ever face.
'Many of my students have never experienced traditional schooling,' Tetiana explained. 'Yet they continue showing up daily in this bunker for face-to-face learning.'
Student Perspectives from the Depths
Fifteen-year-old Angelina described her current schooling as dramatically different from her previous experience. 'Having all my friends here makes it easier,' she admitted. 'But I miss everything about my old school, especially the feeling of peace and safety.'
Classmate Yullia, also 15, acknowledged that learning underground isn't completely comfortable. 'The safety and being with friends make it feel somewhat normal,' she said. 'I miss looking outside windows and seeing sunlight.'
Thirteen-year-old Alisa remained in the shelter-school for a month when the war began. 'It was both home and school temporarily,' she recalled. 'Studying underground is safe, and learning offline with my teacher in person is much better. This is only possible in the shelter. But I miss normal school days, how things were before, having fun with friends outside.'
Academic Focus Amid Adversity
Fifteen-year-old Mark finds physics particularly engaging because it helps him forget lessons occur underground. 'I miss my old normalcy, making friends and having fun while learning,' he confessed.
Daniil, another 15-year-old student, still enjoys studying but misses school aspects that allowed daily gatherings with friends. Despite their circumstances, these young learners maintain hope for normalcy when conflict ends.
Hopes for Peace and Normalcy
Fourteen-year-old Maksym expressed simple desires: 'I'd enjoy seeing my dad more often. If the war ends, I'd visit Germany to see family who fled when fighting started.'
Mark extended an invitation: 'When peace comes, people should visit Kharkiv. We'll treat them to local food and gladly show foreign guests around our city.'
Daniil's postwar aspiration is straightforward: 'I want to barbecue with friends and celebrate.'
Valuing Life's Moments
The teenagers acknowledge their situation has made them appreciate pre-war life differently. Angelina reflected: 'I've never met anyone who hasn't complained about their lives. Value every moment because you never know what may happen. Before full-scale war, we didn't value life enough. People should appreciate everything they have.'
Alisa agreed: 'You need to live in the moment. Don't postpone plans because you never know what might happen.'
Educational Support and Resilience
Jinan Ramadan, Chief of UNICEF Ukraine's Kharkiv Field Office, emphasized: 'After nearly four years of full-scale war, millions of Ukrainian children have experienced significant educational disruptions. Through targeted catch-up programs like Kharkiv's underground schools, UNICEF helps children recover lost learning, return to consistent, safe in-person education, and rebuild their futures—and their country's.'
A Teacher's Determination
Despite ongoing strikes that shake her underground classroom, Tetiana no longer feels fear while teaching. 'I stay vigilant and careful regarding the children,' she stated. 'Every place here is dangerous to varying degrees. We must continue looking after one another.'
She added a crucial message: 'We don't want to be forgotten. We want people worldwide to remember we exist, that we're working and fighting for a better future.'
