For Sofiia, the first day of school is a fresh start in a safe place

For Sofiia, the path to the first day of her 5th grade has been a journey of displacement, resilience and hope. 

Earlier this summer, Sofiia and her mother, Kateryna, fled their hometown of Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk Region when the shelling became unbearable. “I thought first and foremost about the safety of my daughter,” Kateryna recalls. “The attacks were terrifying. I am very grateful for the shelter we were given.” 

Local authorities and humanitarian workers helped the family on their journey at a transit centre in Pavlohrad, the Dnipro Region, and found them a place to stay in a village in the Odesa Region. There, they received clothing and food from aid organizations. 

Kateryna remembers the rush of escape: “When fleeing our home, we took five Ukrainian traditional embroidered shirts, but we didn’t bring even one skirt. In such a hurry, we really weren’t able to pack properly or physically bring everything we need for the summer and for the cold season. Support from humanitarians came really handy.” 

Now, Sofiia is preparing to join her new classmates at the local school: 

“I feel good here. I will soon start school, and I’m looking forward to it. I want to meet other children and make new friends.” She says. 

Yet the reality of education in Ukraine remains deeply scarred by war. Between January and  June 2025, at least 240 attacks on schools were verified across the country, putting children’s safety at risk. Each attack not only damages classrooms but also disrupts the education of thousands of students and adds to their psychological distress.  

The Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, Matthias Schmale, expressed his support for children and teachers: 

“On behalf of the United Nations in Ukraine, I wish all Ukrainian school children a successful and safe year of offline and online learning. I salute all teachers who make learning possible despite the war against Ukraine. We all long for the day on which all can study in person, above ground, hoping it will arrive soon!” 

Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative to Ukraine also expressed solidarity with children and gratitude to educators on the day of the school year opening: “For children exposed to the horrors of war, the start of the school year is about hope for an education free of disruption that is critical for their development and well-being. Despite the challenges, children are determined to keep learning and to realize their right to education, whether in basements, metro stations, or online,” added Mammadzade.

For Sofiia, this day is not just another milestone on the school calendar. It is a fresh start away from war—a chance to learn, make friends and dream of a safer future. 

Author: Alina Basiuk, UNOCHA in Ukraine