Education in War

In the shadow of the Covid pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, countless children have been plunged into a world of fear and hardship, deeply affecting their education.  

In addition to suffering a significant decline in their level of education, these children bear a heavy psychological burden. The routine of hiding in school bomb shelters has become a part of children’s lives, a daily reminder of the reality of war they are living in.  

“As soon as the alarm sounds, the students are already gathered and ready to go down to the basement. There’s no panic, everyone is serious and silent. We’ve become accustomed to living in a stressful environment, with air and missile threats sounding day and night," shared Andriy, a teacher and Christian minister in Ukraine.  

But in Blahodatne, Ukraine, an after-school club is a light amongst the darkness.  

Inna, the teacher at MWB’s after-school club, shares the impact of providing consistent emotional, spiritual, and practical support for children growing up in the war.  

“The after-school centre is a place where children get what they urgently need and cannot get at home or at school – things that make their childhood a real childhood.  

“We provide a safe place, feed children delicious lunches, help with homework, build relationships, talk about God, and help them with their education. We become friends. Many children from disadvantaged families receive love, care, and understanding of themselves and the world. All thanks to our God.  

“During the war, we also became a shelter for displaced children and teenagers. We went through the stages of healing from emotional trauma and recovery with them and were a bridge to the world around us. Children know that they will always find support and help here.”  

In a country where families experience daily challenges of loss, displacement, and psychological trauma, a stable environment where children can learn and thrive is key to bringing them out of fear and raising them with hopes and dreams.  

“We hope that the younger generation will be able to live in a free country and be free to build their own future the way they want it,” Andriy shared.   

Inna also shares the same dream for the future:  

“We thank all our sponsors abroad who faithfully supported us and continue to support us in the midst of this horrible war. May God bless you all. I believe that the day will come soon when we’ll be able to meet in a peaceful and flourishing Ukraine.”  

Share in the hopes of people like Andriy and Inna by donating to our Education Appeal this month, and help make this support accessible for children who still face the impacts of this longstanding war.  

By giving, you are not only investing in a brighter future for Ukraine but also bringing essential daily support to families that need it now.