40 children complete innovative program to bridge education gaps in Ukraine

Irpin, Kyiv Region – The project “Safe Access to Equitable and Inclusive Education in Ukraine” reached a critical milestone with the graduation of the first 40 children in Irpin, Kyiv region, Ukraine. These students successfully completed a thorough three-month training program aimed at bridging the existing educational gaps.

“I joined the program to improve my understanding of math and Ukrainian, where I needed extra support. Thanks to these classes, I not only prepared well for the Multisubject Test, but also graduated with honors,” said Iryna, 17, proudly displaying her diploma.

Amid the ongoing challenges of war, Ukrainian children are often forced to change schools and adapt to online learning. Many struggle with foundational skills such as reading. Some also fall short of concentration during tasks or classes requiring specialized educational interventions.

The catch-up program focuses on two key areas: mathematics and Ukrainian language, integrating both theoretical knowledge and practical applications. Through a combination of face-to-face and online learning platforms, the program aims to ensure these children remain engaged in formal education.

Olena Polomarchuk, a devoted math teacher, expressed her pride with the initial outcomes: “Over the past three months, we’ve covered all the material outlined in the program. We’ve successfully closed the knowledge gaps, with several students even achieving excellent results today, which is exceptionally satisfying.”

Despite challenges such as staffing shortages and irregular electricity supply, the community, teachers, and World Vision’s local partners, Save Ukraine, have persevered. "We cater to both typically developing children and those with special educational needs. Each child receives personalized attention, and I’ve observed significant improvements in their proficiency levels after just three months,” shared Larysa Nedoluzhko, a Ukrainian language teacher.

Funded by the European Union, the project is implemented by World Vision in collaboration with Save Ukraine across seven regions of Ukraine. Aside from educational support, the project includes Child Protection and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services, which are critical given the on-going war, where an estimated 1,5 children suffer from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The initiative intends to reach out to over 4,500 girls and boys aged 6-17, including those with disabilities, helping them build resilience in the face of adversity.

Currently, eight of the project's eleven day-care centers have been operational with three more set to open within the next month.

Overall, World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response has reached more than 264,000 children who have benefitted from education programming.

Story by Anna Lukianenko, Communications Officer I Photos by Save Ukraine, World Vision's local partner