The war in Ukraine has become a serious challenge for the whole country, but the most vulnerable categories of the population – children – have suffered the most.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian families have been faced with a choice: to stay in their homeland or seek refuge abroad, in particular for the safety and future of their children. In the face of unpredictable threats, systematic shelling and unstable resource supplies, many parents have decided that the best way to ensure their children’s education and protection is to emigrate temporarily or permanently.
The situation on the eve of the new school year was particularly worrying.According to Ukrainian MP Nina Yuzhanina, who spoke on the Evening.LIVE programme, 300,000 schoolchildren have left Ukraine. This figure is indicative of a large-scale problem facing Ukrainian society.Not only do families want to provide their children with an education, but they also feel uncertain about the country’s future due to the ongoing hostilities.
In his speech to the Verkhovna Rada, Minister of Education and Science Oksen Lisovyi confirmed that the situation with the outflow of children, especially teenagers, is becoming critical. Parents, in particular, are concerned about the upcoming hostilities and the lack of clear plans from the authorities for autumn and winter.This pushes them to sell their property and leave, mainly for Poland, where they see more stability and opportunities for safe living.
Reasons for the mass exodus of schoolchildren
One of the main reasons for leaving is the ever-increasing threat of war, especially in the frontline and eastern regions of the country. Parents understand that schooling can be interrupted due to shelling or lack of safe infrastructure. Even in areas where security is relative, parents fear for their future and the safety of their children, so they are looking for better conditions for education abroad.
The problem is particularly acute for high school boys. According to Lisovyi, there is a sharp outflow of students in grades 10-11, including many boys. It is important to recall that boys must be registered for military service at the age of 17, and many families see this as an additional factor for leaving. The government of Ukraine proposes to fine those who fail to register, and men are banned from travelling abroad from the age of 18.
Social and educational challenges
The massive outflow of schoolchildren poses several important challenges for Ukraine. First of all, there is the question of how the educational process will be organised for those children who remain in Ukraine. Amid air alerts and a lack of resources, many educational institutions are forced to operate in a mixed format or remotely, which does not always ensure quality education.
In addition, the loss of so many children is a potentially serious problem for the country’s demographic and social structure. Ukraine is at risk of losing a generation of young people who will grow up and study abroad, and this could have long-term consequences for the country’s development.
Political and legal implications
In addition to the social and educational challenges, the massive out-migration of children from Ukraine has political and legal implications. Boys of military age have restrictions on travelling abroad, but the situation with school-age children remains less regulated. The government is attempting to resolve these issues, while also developing new laws and penalties for those who do not comply with conscription rules.
The outflow of schoolchildren from Ukraine during the war is one of the most serious social problems affecting all aspects of the country’s life, from education to demography and politics. To secure the country’s future, a comprehensive strategy needs to be developed to bring children back to Ukraine, ensure their safety and provide them with quality education in times of war.
