Ukrainian Teens Navigate School and War: Stories of Resilience

As September 2024 marks the start of a new school year in Ukraine, teenagers face unique challenges balancing their education with the harsh realities of war. Three young Ukrainians recently attended a summer camp organized by the Voices of Children charity and sponsored by the Olena Zelenska Foundation, offering a brief respite from the ongoing conflict that began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Oleksandr Hryshchenko, 16, hails from Vorozhba in the Sumy region, less than 10 kilometers from the Russian border. His village has endured intensified attacks, with Russian forces now employing glide bombs instead of artillery. Oleksandr's final year of school will be primarily online, a common adaptation in Ukraine's education system due to safety concerns.

"We know that if we leave now, there might be nothing left to return to."

Despite the constant threat, Oleksandr remains determined to shape his future, focusing on university entrance exams and career planning. His resilience is bolstered by his father's bravery, who has been serving on the front lines since the war's escalation.

Valerii Soldatenko, 16, fled his hometown of Bilokurakyne in the Luhansk region on August 29, 2022, after six months under Russian occupation. His decision to leave was primarily driven by the imposition of the Russian curriculum in local schools. Now living near Kyiv, Valerii grapples with homesickness and the loss of his childhood home, a traditional Ukrainian house built with clay, hay, and chalk.

The summer camp provided Valerii with an opportunity to connect with other "witnesses of war," offering a sense of community and shared experience. As he prepares for his final year of high school, he contemplates a future career as either a journalist or a history teacher.

Kseniia Kucher, 16, from Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, faces the daily reality of Russian strikes. Her education, like many in Ukraine, has shifted primarily online. The summer camp in Uzhhorod, near the Slovak border, offered Kseniia a rare chance to relax and form connections with peers who understand her experiences.

"Being a teenager during war is hard. You don't fully understand your emotions, and everything affects you — from a hurtful word to a barrage of missiles."

Kseniia's family, like many in Ukraine, keeps "emergency bags" packed with essentials. Her father serves on the front lines, a situation shared by numerous Ukrainian families separated by the conflict.

As these teenagers navigate their final year of school, they exemplify the resilience of Ukrainian youth. Despite the challenges of war, they continue to pursue their education and plan for the future, demonstrating remarkable strength in the face of adversity.