As war rages into its fifth year, Ukrainian parents and children are making extraordinary efforts to carve out normalcy, from adapting to virtual and underground schools to fostering supportive communities.



As Russia's war against Ukraine rages into its fifth year and the Starlink slowdown threatens Ukraine's ability to defend itself and its military, Ukrainian parents and children who are still in the country are also attempting to survive and figure out a new normal. Crosswalk has been in contact with families of two frontline cities, Odesa and Zaporizhzhia, through the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA).

Though life is very difficult for parents and children, great effort is being made to preserve as much of childhood as possible. Part of that effort revolves around efforts to keep children in school and attending in person.

School Attendance is Both Virtual and In Person
Depending on the city in which they live and the intensity of the battle, children attend school both virtually and in person. On the days when they attend in person, some may take public transportation if available, and others are transported by car. Traveling to and from school is really the greatest danger.

In general, the children see school as an opportunity to be with friends face-to-face and be in a safe place. Some underground schools are literally deep underground and are capable of protecting the children from direct missile strikes. Even in the face of war, parents believe their children need a good, quality education.

Attending school also helps them experience a sense of normalcy amid highly abnormal circumstances and allows them to have a bit of a typical childhood, even if it is very limited.

Since there are more children than there is space in schools, administrators often have to make difficult decisions about who can attend and who can't, said Angela of SGA. Usually, children in elementary school are given priority for in-person attendance. Many of these little ones have never experienced attending school without the threat of war, nor do they know the blessing of growing up in an environment free of war dangers, interruptions and uncertainty every day. So the opportunity to be with each other in person and learn from their teachers helps them feel connected, experience community and reduces their tension and stress. It gives them the opportunity to feel like children.

One parent in particular mentioned to Crosswalk that her child has a musical gift, so it's important to him to attend music school and participate in music events, though these depend on the city's security situation on any given day.

“If possible, we would like to see support for installing concrete shelters, at least near the arts schools that do not have shelters. These schools are very important for the children...because they help them experience the joy of life and relieve stress,” said a music teacher (name withheld for safety reasons).

The Importance of a Supportive Community in the Midst of a War Zone
One parent told Crosswalk that she has come to realize, “how important it is now to support one another, protect our children, and value the time we spend together. Sadly, the war brings terrible losses to families. Some children have lost their parents, and some families have been forced to separate. That is why it is especially important for children to have adults around them who can give them love, care, support and a sense of safety.”

“We are trying to live, work, educate our children, and keep a normal routine as much as possible," the parent added. "The underground school gives us the opportunity to continue our children's education even in these difficult circumstances...the underground school is not just a place where my child learns. It is a place that helps my child to have a childhood. I am deeply grateful to the people who made this possible.”

Another parent expressed concern that, “It seems Americans, including American Christians, have grown tired of hearing about Ukraine in the fifth year of war...we are still here...we are fighting, and we love our city. Our children were born here, and so were we. We want [our city] to remain Ukrainian. We have great hope that the United States will continue to support Ukraine and help us defend human dignity and human life...still, we are grateful to Americans for praying for us and helping us.”

“I want my child not merely to survive the war, but to live, learn, smile and feel happy,” said yet another parent.

How Christians can Pray for Ukraine and its People
When asked how Christians can pray, the response was, “We ask people around the world to pray for peace in Ukraine. I don't know whether Ukrainians are still asking for our lands to be returned. At this point, we simply want peace: for the war to stop, for people to begin living normal lives again and for children to have a normal childhood again.”

“American Christians can help by praying, supporting schools like this one, helping children and families, and supporting the people who work every day for their safety and future. Every contribution to a child's life is a contribution to Ukraine's future. Please pray for the teachers who continue educating children in such difficult conditions, for parents who worry about their children every day, that the children won't lose their joy, and for everyone helping to create safe places for learning,” said a mother whose husband is serving at the front.

She went on to note that the people of Ukraine are praying and trusting in God for the future of their nation, the restoration of peace and their children's future.

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