Thousands of Ukrainian students forced to study underground amid war

KHARKIV, Ukraine - The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has forced thousands of students in Ukraine to study in underground schools. Over a thousand students study at this elementary school visited by Rudaw, in the frontline city of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine.

The school has 19 classrooms, a medical room, war protection training facilities, a ceremony hall and sirens. The educational approach is similar to that of a regular school, however, they must study underground to protect their lives. 

"The school is very beautiful and well made. There is a good ventilation system. The teachers are very kind and teach really well. I want to wish all Ukrainians that next year peace will come, that we will all return to a normal school that is located upstairs, and we will be able to run through the school corridors like before and study well," Anastaziya, a student, told Rudaw on Wednesday.

Around 1,250 children study in this school. Over the past two years, nine underground schools have been built in Kharkiv, benefiting 12,000 students.

Underground schools in Ukrainian frontline cities like Kharkiv are necessary amid the sporadic Russian shelling. By using deep shelters and subway stations, the authorities ensure safe, in-person learning for thousands of children, providing educational continuity and normalcy.

Svitlana, the director of the underground school, told Rudaw that “underground schools will give every child in Kharkiv the opportunity to receive education in safe conditions.

“We believe that after the war ends, all underground school facilities will be actively used because many school buildings have been destroyed and their restoration will take time,” she added.

Bunkers are not just hiding shelters - they have rather turned into centers for keeping culture and art alive in this city.

Natalia Aleksandrovna, the director of the Kharkiv Choreography School, told Rudaw that 150 children perform in the underground school. 

"Ballet cannot be stopped even during the war. We have continued to work and rehearse. This is the 15th performance we have presented on this stage. I believe this is a powerful creative energy. Ballet conveys emotions and feelings. Children who study ballet are special; they live through movement," she said.