by Mirek Zastavnyi
As Ukraine faces the challenges of war on an unprecedented scale, the resilience and determination of its people shine brightly. This year, the beginning of the school year serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians who strive to maintain a sense of normalcy even amidst chaos and conflict. Despite the relentless sound of sirens and the looming threat of missile attacks, millions of Ukrainian children started a new school year on September 2, 2024, underscoring the nation’s commitment to education and hope.
The ongoing war has altered the landscape of daily life for millions, forcing many students to experience their first day of school not within the familiar walls of a classroom but behind computer screens or in foreign lands. Yet, the sight of children crossing school thresholds amid the backdrop of conflict has become a poignant symbol of resilience. This determination to continue education, even as war rages, speaks volumes about the courage and tenacity of Ukrainian students, teachers, and parents.
Learning Under Siege
In many parts of Ukraine, the school year began amidst the unsettling sounds of explosions. Despite these dangers, the Ukrainian education system has adapted, finding ways to persevere. Schools damaged by conflict, especially in the eastern and southern regions, are being restored to ensure children can continue their studies. Educators, students, and administrators alike are showing remarkable resolve by continuing the educational process, even when it means taking shelter during air raid alerts.
Regional Highlights of Resilience
- Kyiv: On the morning of September 2, residents of Kyiv once again faced missile strikes, a grim reminder of the constant threat. Yet, over 372,000 children returned to classrooms, including those at Lyceum No. 34, which had been shelled in 2022 but has since been restored. Schools like Lyceum No. 34, now equipped with shelters, stand as a testament to the city’s efforts to provide a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.
- Kharkiv: The city of Kharkiv, frequently targeted by shelling, has seen most schools shift to virtual learning. However, innovation has not been stifled. Kharkiv’s introduction of an underground metro school has enabled a significant number of children to return to in-person learning while ensuring their safety. This underground educational initiative exemplifies the inventive spirit driving Ukrainians to adapt to war’s realities.
- Odessa: In the port city of Odessa, under the constant threat from the sea, schools remain open. The first day of classes in many schools was dedicated to honoring Ukraine’s defenders, highlighting a sense of unity and patriotism that permeates the city, even amidst conflict.
- Western Ukraine: Although relatively less affected by direct combat, schools in the western regions have faced their own set of challenges. Many have welcomed internally displaced students, requiring additional resources and innovative solutions to manage this influx.
The start of this school year not only marks a new academic chapter but also serves as a powerful symbol of hope. The resilience displayed by students, teachers, and parents is a stark reminder that even under the shadow of war, life continues. This steadfastness mirrors the message behind the “I’M FINE” installation at the 2024 Burning Man festival—a poignant artwork reflecting the hidden resilience and strength of individuals enduring hardship. The sculpture that weighs in at 19 tons and stands 7 meters high was assembled from real war artifacts collected from liberated territories. Among the objects are bullet-riddled street signs, solar panels, satellite dishes, shattered city name signs, and broken fences. The concept plays on the Ukrainian response to the question “How are you? ”Much like the festival’s theme of radical self-expression and community, the installation echoes the sentiment of Ukrainian society, demonstrating that resilience is not just about surviving but about maintaining one’s spirit and identity in the face of adversity.
As the first bell of the new school year rings against a backdrop of sirens and explosions, it symbolizes not just the continuation of education but the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. This resilience inspires hope that, despite the darkness of war, Ukraine’s future remains bright, with a new generation ready to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
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