Today, more than 3.6 million children, including thousands of Jewish kids, begin their studies at parochial and public schools across Ukraine. Unfortunately, nearly 1 million of these children were not able to hear the bells that symbolize Knowledge Day, they are studying remotely from their homes.
Thousands of schools have been damaged by artillery, drone and missile attacks over the past year and a half. In other places schools must remain shuttered due to the lack of bomb shelters. For some children, it has been 2 ½ years since they were at school with teachers and classmates, first as a result of COVID and more recently due to the invasion. The disruptions to the learning environment have had devastating effects on the children. In addition to widespread learning loss, the stress and trauma of war have made it difficult for children to retain what they are taught.
Knowledge, social development, and personal growth are all goals of the upcoming school year, but safety comes first. Most of the schools supported by JRNU are open this fall, thanks to rigorous security measures in place. In addition, new for this year, a variety of mental health programs are being introduced to assist teachers, parents and children address the ongoing challenges.
Thousands of families in Jewish communities across Ukraine celebrated the Day of Knowledge with brightly colored new backpacks filled with markers, pencils, notebooks and supplies of all kinds, provided by JRNU, and bouquets of flowers for the new teachers.
We pray for a safe and fulfilling school year and hope that all children will be able to return to their classrooms soon.
