Veronika’s Safe Space

Education Cannot Wait investments delivered by UNICEF are supporting crisis-affected girls and boys to access vital mental health and psychosocial support while improving learning outcomes in Ukraine.

By Education Cannot Wait

October 14^th, 2024

“Air raid alert - it's dangerous. You grab everything, throw it in your backpack, and run to the classroom door.” ~Veronika

Six-year-old Veronika used to spend her days laughing and playing in the quiet suburbs of Kyiv. But in 2022, everything changed as the war in Ukraine erupted, shattering her carefree life and turning her world upside down.

Schools closed, and loud explosions echoed through the streets. Panic gripped Veronika’s family. They quickly packed their lives into a few bags and with a heavy heart, left behind the only home Veronika had ever known.

After her family's move to Kyiv, Veronika began first grade, attempting to adapt to a new environment. However, everything felt unfamiliar and far from home. Struggling to adjust, her parents decided to transfer her to another school.

The war and constant move took a heavy toll on Veronika’s mental health, leaving her feeling lost and anxious as she struggled to find a sense of home and belonging. However, through reintegration into formal education, funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), delivered by UNICEF Ukraine, Veronika found hope and could regain a sense of normalcy. This investment offered her the chance to reintegrate into the education system, socialize and recover from learning losses.

“When we came to the Ukrainian school, for Veronika it was like a whole new world as if she landed on another planet. She was new, a stranger and it was really hard for her” ~Lyubov, Veronika’s mother

Veronika sits with her classmates, ready to learn © ECW/Babinets

Finding Belonging Again

Upon returning, Veronika was greeted not by the warm embrace of familiarity, but by the daunting challenge of starting again in an environment that felt foreign to her. The weight of her experiences affected her well-being, leaving her feeling isolated and uncertain.

To help her adjust and rebuild her confidence, Veronika participated in vibrant, engaging sessions at her school specially designed for children like her.

“We work directly with displaced children, refugees and children from disadvantaged or large families. All of this is done to help the child socialize and adapt more easily. In the sessions, we tried to do everything possible to ensure that Veronika was included in an active group with huge creative potential.” ~Valentyna, Child psychologist

These sessions provided a safe space for Veronika to reconnect with others, express herself and slowly regain the sense of belonging she had lost.

“Veronika started making friends in the class. Children started showing empathy, and they were tolerant. In our sessions, they learned how to communicate to understand each other and to resolve conflicts.” ~Valentyna, Child psychologist

Veronika and her mother, Lyubov, work together to carefully craft a candle together. © ECW/Babinets

Providing Safe Learning to Ukrainian Children

Since the war in Ukraine began, the education of 4 million children has been severely disrupted. Around 600,000 school-aged children have been unable to access in-person learning, and more than 1,300 educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed.

To address these challenges, ECW and its strategic partners have allocated over US $26.9 million in funding since 2017 to support quality, holistic education programmes in Ukraine. These programmes have reached over 400,000 children, two-thirds of whom are girls.

Earlier this year, ECW launched a new Multi-Year Resilience Programme in Ukraine aimed at improving learning outcomes by creating safer physical environments, expanding digital learning and offering alternative education opportunities.

The funding also provides life-saving access to safer in-person classes, remote learning opportunities when necessary and remedial catch-up classes. Children receive strong mental health and psychosocial support to help them heal and grow and live through the ongoing conflict.

Veronika runs happily in the playground, her feet barely touching the ground. © ECW/Babinets

"I like math, english, 'I explore the world,' art, and physical education at school. I dream of becoming a veterinarian, singer or actress." ~Veronika

Veronika’s journey from the shadows of war to the sunshine of friendship is a testament to resilience and hope. With support and compassion, children can transform their pain into purpose, one vibrant step at a time.

Veronika stares out the window, plants on a shelf by her side. © ECW/Babinets

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Footnotes

Story written by Iqra Amin and Samuel Arowosafe

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FootNotes

Story written by Iqra Amin and Samuel Arowosafe