Millions of schoolchildren in Ukraine are unable to attend regular education due to the ongoing air raids. The eastern Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv is now building the country’s first underground school to protect its students from Russian attacks.
“Such a shelter will allow thousands of children in Kharkiv to safely continue their lessons in person, even in the event of rocket attacks,” Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on the short message service Telegram.
Classroom in the subway
While many schools in frontline regions were forced to teach online during the war, Kharkov set up around 60 classrooms in metro stations before the start of the school year on September 1, accommodating more than 1,000 students.
Ukraine’s second-largest city had more than 1.4 million inhabitants before Russia invaded in February 2022. Parts of the city are less than 35 kilometers from the Russian border and are subject to Russian air raids almost daily. It was not until Monday that the rockets hit the area again.
5.3 million children directly affected by war
According to UNICEF, the daily school lives of 5.3 million children in Ukraine are directly affected by fighting. 3.6 million people are affected by their schools being damaged or destroyed. On the way to school, children are also exposed to the dangers of mines and unexploded bombs.
According to Ukrainian figures, more than 360 educational institutions have been destroyed and more than 3,000 others damaged by bombs or shells since the start of Russia’s war of aggression.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
