Darya Goes Back to School

ECW investments are supporting Ukrainian refugee children to participate in non-formal education activities so they can integrate into formal schools in Moldova

By Education Cannot Wait

December 14^th, 2023

Adapted Story from the Field. Special Contribution by UNICEF Moldova (Original).

“On the first day [of school], I didn’t talk to anyone, but then I started to communicate with the girls. Now, I have more than five friends at school.” ~Darya, 10

Darya sits near the front of her class, brown eyes fixed on her teacher as they go through another exciting lesson. It’s now the sixth day of school in Moldova. The 10-year-old is feeling hopeful about what the next year will bring.

Just a year and a half ago, in the spring of 2022, Darya fled the war in Ukraine with her teenage brother and grandparents – leaving behind her parents, best friends and a school that she’d grown to love. Her grandparents worried about how she would cope in their new environment, and knew that she needed to continue her education and spend time with children her own age.

Thanks to the support of Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the global fund for education in emergencies and protracted crises, and partners, Darya and countless other Ukrainian refugee children are back in school in Moldova. An ECW-funded initiative, implemented in partnership by UNICEF Moldova, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and their national partner Step by Step Moldova, is providing refugee girls and boys in the country with non-formal learning activities to help them prepare to join formal schools in Moldova.

Darya in the schoolyard in Moldova. © UNICEF Moldova/Dogoter

A life turned upside down

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sparked a deadly armed conflict. Darya’s parents had to remain in Odesa, Ukraine while their children left for safety in Moldova with their grandparents. Darya’s grandmother, Alyona, sees the toll these events have taken on Darya and her brother’s mental health.

"It is challenging for children to experience this, being separated from their parents and feeling the stress and anxiety of everyone. After arriving in Moldova, I began searching for educational activities where they could communicate with other children, make new friends, and feel part of a team." ~Alyona, Darya’s grandmother

Not long after they entered Moldova, Darya’s grandmother was able to register her in non-formal education activities organized at the Puppet Theater in Chisinau. These activities are funded by ECW and part of a UNICEF-led initiative in the country.

Darya and her friends chat during a break between lessons. © UNICEF Moldova/Dogoter

Through the non-formal education initiative, Darya was able to continue learning, alongside other children from Ukraine. Along with studying subjects such as math, Romanian, English and science, children take part in creative activities. The chance to play, develop their imaginations and express themselves helps them to cope with the traumas they have endured.

The ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine has triggered internal displacement and an influx of refugees in neighboring countries – including Moldova, which has received one of the highest numbers of refugees comparative to its population size. The sudden arrival of refugees from Ukraine has placed tremendous pressure on the Moldovan educational system to accommodate children and adolescents seeking an education.

ECW is supporting the Moldovan Ministry of Education and Research and in-country partners through a First Emergency Response grant to ensure that displaced girls and boys – like Darya – have equitable access to inclusive and quality learning opportunities in Moldova. The emergency grant is implemented by UNICEF, in partnership with NRC, International Rescue Committee and Plan International, along with their national partners.

Darya plays with her classmates during break time. © UNICEF Moldova/Dogoter

The power of inclusion

This initiative prepared Darya to successfully enter the formal education system in Moldova. Darya’s grandmother says, "She started to learn Romanian through non-formal education activities and continues to do so in school. As a result, she successfully passed the Romanian language exam. This summer, Darya attended school preparation lessons in the morning and recreational activities in the afternoon.”

Today, Darya is officially enrolled in school in Chisinau. According to the Ministry of Education in Moldova, all Ukrainian children can be enrolled in Moldovan schools and have access to the same educational services as Moldovan children. While online classes and non-formal education can be an effective way to learn, it is a temporary solution.

A recent Education Assessment by the Refugee Education Working Group found that refugee children in Moldova face challenges with online learning due to insufficient equipment, poor internet connections and disruptions from sirens. Educators and caregivers have also noted a decline in children’s academic performance, participation and engagement when so removed from a physical classroom.

The inclusive education policy in Moldova has made all the difference in the lives of young refugees in the country – and Alyona has seen the effect going to school has had on her granddaughter.

"I noticed a beautiful evolution thanks to the UNICEF project and after Darya’s integration in school. The teachers have given her a lot of love and support, inspiring her to become a teacher for younger children one day in the future. Now, she visits her first teacher every day. She wants to ensure everything is fine and to help the teacher with the younger students.” ~Alyona, Darya’s grandmother

Ten-year-old Darya listens attentively to Tatyana, her teacher in Moldova. © UNICEF Moldova/Dogoter

Back in school

Darya is thriving in her new school. The 10-year-old is surrounded by classmates that are now her new friends, and they spend their breaks laughing, chatting and playing together.

Tatyana, their teacher, doesn’t find it a challenge to integrate children from Ukraine in the classroom. Rather, she sees it as an exciting and enriching experience.

"We have diverse cultures, and children exchange views and share experiences. They quickly find common interests. Darya integrated easily. She is quite active and always positive.” ~Tatyana, Darya’s teacher

Alyona believes all Ukrainian children should be in the classroom, and encourages other Ukrainian caregivers to enroll their children in Moldovan schools. “It is crucial for children of Ukraine to participate in various educational activities during these difficult times. While some parents believe online studies are sufficient, they truly are not. The children lack communication with their peers. They must go to school. Interacting with other children is essential for their personal growth and knowledge acquisition," she says.

Darya and her classmates write in their classroom. © UNICEF Moldova/Dogoter

While Darya loves her new school, teacher and friends in Moldova, she can’t help but wonder and worry about the children in Ukraine. She says, “If I were to go, I would want to reunite with my best friend. I wish all Ukrainian children have safe bomb shelters. Even if their schools are destroyed, they will be safe.”

Every child deserves a childhood free of violence and fear – a childhood where they can learn in safety and reach their full potential.

ECW calls on governments, donors, philanthropic foundations and the private sector to join our collective efforts to mobilize a total of US$1.5 billion over the next three years to provide quality education to 20 million crisis-affected children and youth – like Darya – so they can learn, grow and follow their dreams.

Darya writes on the board in her classroom in Moldova. © UNICEF Moldova/Dogoter

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