Traumatized and displaced but determined, kids in Ukraine head back to school
The first day of school in Ukraine is a big deal. Known as the Day of Knowledge, there are usually big celebrations – with rehearsed dances, concerts and lots of balloons. Children dress up in traditional Ukrainian vyshyvankas with brightly colored embroidery. Families bring teachers bouquets of flowers – there are usually so many flowers on the first day that the classrooms are bursting with colorful blooms.
This fall, the war with Russia has disrupted – but not destroyed – this beloved tradition in a country that places enormous importance on education.
At a small private school in the city of Dnipro, the day starts with a teacher leading each new first-grader through a hula hoop decorated with ribbons and leaves – initiating them into their school-aged life. Older students cheer while families try and catch every moment on their phones. Because of the war, this is one of just a handful of schools in the city offering in-person classes.
Two older students, Mariia and Varya, both 9, watch from a shared chair in the corner, holding hands and giggling. The friends hadn't seen each other since school shut down in February, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Watching them hold hands, reunited, Varya's mother, Alina Shtefan, remarked that the moment almost felt normal – when so much isn't normal. Her husband, a doctor, is in the armed forces and away from home. Both mom and daughter have been looking forward to this day – to coming to school – for months. After more than six months of staying close
