#Ukraine #Kyiv #Education Cannot Wait #Veronika

A Safe Space for Veronika

Six-year-old Veronika used to enjoy playful days in the serene suburbs of Kyiv, immersing herself in laughter and games. However, everythingchanged in 2022 when the war in Ukraine engulfed her world in chaos. Once filled with innocent joy, her days transformed overnight as the threat of air raids and violent explosions permeated her reality.
Veronika recalls, "When there’s an air raid alert, we know the danger is present. You grab your things, throw them into your backpack, and run to the classroom’s door." Her family was soon forced to leave the only home Veronika had ever known, cramming their lives into a few bags and maneuvering through the turmoil of displacement.
Moving to central Kyiv, Veronika started her new life, enrolling in a preparatory school. The unfamiliar setting, however, met her with many challenges. Struggling to adjust to her new environment, her parents made the difficult decision to transfer her to another school.
The impact of war and constant relocations weighed heavily on Veronika's mental health. She felt lost, anxious, and yearned for a sense of belonging. Yet, thanks to a dedicated program backed by Education Cannot Wait (ECW) and implemented through UNICEF Ukraine, she was able to re-enter an educational system that provided her with hope and a chance for normalcy. This vital funding allowed her to reconnect with her studies, social interactions, and catch up on her educational delays.
Veronika’s mother, Lyubov, said, "When we arrived at the Ukrainian school, Veronika discovered a new world. She felt like she had landed on another planet. Everything was new, alien, and it was truly challenging for her.” Her return to school, rather than bringing the comfort of familiarity, posed the daunting task of starting anew in a space that felt foreign to her. The heavy burden of her experiences left her isolated and uncertain.
To help her transition and rebuild her self-confidence, Veronika engaged in dynamic sessions designed specifically for children like her. Valentyna, a child psychologist associated with the program, elaborated, "We work directly with displaced children, refugees, and those from lower-income families. Our aim is to assist these children in socializing and adapting seamlessly. During these sessions, we strive to integrate Veronika into an active group brimming with creative potential."
These sessions created a safe environment for Veronika, allowing her to reconnect with peers, express herself, and slowly regain her sense of belonging. Valentyna noted, "Veronika began making friends in class. The other children started to show empathy and understanding. Through our sessions, they all learned to communicate, comprehend each other, and resolve conflicts.”
Since the onset of the war in Ukraine, the education of millions of children has been severely disrupted. Many young learners lack access to in-person education, with over 1,600 schools damaged or destroyed. The initiatives funded by ECW in Ukraine aim to enhance the educational outcomes of crisis-affected children by creating safer physical learning environments and developing digital and remote learning opportunities where necessary. Additionally, they offer catch-up classes alongside robust psychosocial support to help children heal, grow, and survive amidst the ongoing conflict.
Veronika’s journey, transitioning from the shadows of war into the light of friendship, stands as a powerful testament to human resilience and hope. Through support and compassion, children like Veronika can transform their pain into purpose, taking steps forward with renewed vigor. She shares her aspirations, saying, "At school, I love mathematics, English, art, and physical education. Someday, I dream of becoming a veterinarian, a singer, or an actress."
In a world brimming with uncertainties, Veronika's story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even amidst conflict, the spirit of childhood can prevail anew, enriched by the bonds of friendship and shared experiences.