Schools under fire. Education in Ukraine between war and hope.

In Ukraine, school has become a form of resistance against the war. The reportage from Zaporizhzhia and Blyznyuky tells the story of the challenges and determination of a country that refuses to give up on the future of its new generations.

In Ukraine, school has become a symbol of resistance. Thousands of school buildings have been destroyed or damaged due to the war. Teachers and students have been forced to reinvent school activities amid underground shelters, remote learning, and community school centers.

Over the past two years, the war in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on the education system. According to the United Nations, more than 1,600 schools have been damaged or destroyed, compromising access to education for millions of students who, in many regions, can only access schooling through distance learning. The eastern and southern regions are the most affected, with entire communities forced to reinvent learning methods due to Russian attacks and the large number of displaced students.

In September 2024, after four years of closure due first to the pandemic and then to the war, many schools in the eastern regions were expected to reopen, but only institutions equipped with air-raid shelters have been able to resume in-person classes.

In some areas, schools operate in underground shelters to protect students, while others use e-learning platforms to reach displaced pupils.

The reportage documents the resistance of students and teachers who are fighting to maintain educational continuity. The images portray shelters transformed into classrooms, children and teenagers coping with the trauma of war, and teachers striving to keep the right to education alive. The communities of Zaporizhzhia and Blyznyuky are adopting strategies to safeguard the younger generations. From afternoon workshops to online courses, the reportage shows how education becomes an essential tool of resistance and hope.

AVSI has been active in Ukraine since the early days of the emergency, initially providing humanitarian support and later focusing on child protection and educational assistance. In collaboration with schools and local institutions, it has contributed to the rehabilitation of school buildings and the creation of safe learning spaces. In addition to distributing educational materials and training teachers, AVSI has launched Community Centers—spaces that welcome children and families, offering educational activities and psychosocial support. These centers are an essential point of reference for thousands of minors, ensuring them a safe environment in which to learn and regain a sense of normalcy.