Empowering and building the future of Ukraine's displaced children through quality education

World Vision Ukraine Crisis Response, in close collaboration with local partners like Responsible Citizens, has tailored its humanitarian efforts to address the changing needs of internally displaced and war-affected populations. One prominent initiative is the educational project titled “Building the Future,” supported by World Vision UK, which was launched in March 2023.

Education in emergency programs are critical because they not only meet basic needs but also promote long-term stability and resilience in afflicted children. Beyond food, shelter, and healthcare, education provides a sense of normalcy and routine, which is especially crucial for children and youth who have been distressed or displaced.

“It operates as a protective environment, sheltering children from threats such as exploitation and violence while also encouraging psychological well-being via organized learning and support programs,” explains Margarita Bogatyr, teacher in one of the educational programs run by Responsible Citizen.

“Building the Future” encompasses eastern Ukraine’s conflict-affected regions, including Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Odessa. The project benefits internally displaced individuals (IDPs), mostly women and children who are particularly vulnerable and in need of assistance.

The project includes several educational initiatives. A crucial component is intensive English classes for teenagers and adults, which respond directly to community needs for language skills development. The English sessions are held face-to-face twice a week.

“My mom came across information about these English courses on social media. I mentioned it to Rita, who is also a student at our university, and we both decided to enroll. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” shares Esenia, an 18-year-old student at Prydniprovska State Academy of Architecture in Dnipro.

“This opportunity is fantastic for improving my language skills, especially since I didn’t find school lessons very effective. Personally, I prefer the offline format to online classes,” she adds on.

Olga Kosse, Chairman of the Board of the NGO Responsible Citizens, emphasizes the project’s priority operating in the small communities, particularly those near the frontlines: “We have directed our efforts primarily to such areas where people lack resources for additional education for their children.”

“I was quite thrilled to begin the course. At university, my English skills are significantly better than those of my peers. It’s wonderful that we have so many opportunities to practice the speaking part here,” says Rita, 17, from Dnipro, who has been enrolled in the English sessions for three months now.

“Education keeps me focused on the future, even in the midst of hardship. It’s my lifeline – an opportunity to better comprehend the world and prepare myself for whatever comes next,” concludes Yulia, 17, who fled from Adviivka, Donetsk Oblast.

The English courses extend for a period of three months. “Many students expressed their eagerness to continue the sessions after the first three-month term. They want to study but lack financial resources,” explains Olena Belolipetska, project manager of Responsible Citizens.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, more than 262,000 children have benefitted from World Vision’s education programming.

Cover picture: Rita, 17, from Dnipro, who has been enrolled in the English sessions for three months now.
 

Story by Anna Lukianenko, Communications Officer I Photos by Laurentia Jora, Communications Manager