The war in Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, continues to disrupt every aspect of life, including the academic sector. As the conflict nears its two-year mark, the impact on education has been profound and far-reaching.
The ongoing war has necessitated significant changes to how education is delivered in Ukraine. With safety a paramount concern, many educational institutions have transitioned to remote learning to continue education amid the conflict. This shift has affected nearly 600,000 children within Ukraine, who are now receiving their education remotely. Additionally, over 390,000 Ukrainian children abroad continue their studies through online programs provided by Ukrainian schools.
The displacement of students due to the war is another significant issue, with approximately 700,000 to 800,000 Ukrainian children integrated into schools across the European Union. This large-scale displacement poses challenges not only for the children and their families but also for the host countries’ educational systems, which must adapt to accommodate the influx of new students.
Moreover, the infrastructure of educational institutions in Ukraine has suffered greatly. Schools in conflict zones or near front lines, especially those in areas previously under occupation, face severe structural and resource-based challenges. The focus in recently liberated territories has been more on immediate survival and basic needs rather than on rebuilding educational facilities, further affecting the quality and continuity of education.
Numerous institutions have suffered direct damage, with at least 16 vocational education and training (VET) institutions destroyed and 124 damaged, particularly in regions like Donetsk, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Luhansk, and Mykolaiv.
The war has disrupted the lives and studies of a large number of students and faculty. As of late 2022, there were over 500,000 people enrolled in professional pre-higher and higher education institutions in Ukraine. Many of these individuals are directly affected by the war, including displaced persons and children of fallen or disabled defenders from the conflict.
Research into the effects of the war on university students and personnel has highlighted severe impacts on mental and emotional well-being. A study conducted among students and staff from four Ukrainian universities revealed widespread deterioration in psycho-emotional states, with high levels of depression, exhaustion, and loneliness reported. Additionally, there has been an increase in substance use among those affected by the war, pointing to the broad psychosocial impacts of the conflict.
The war’s duration and intensity have disrupted the normal educational routines of millions of Ukrainian children and posed ongoing challenges to the country’s educational system’s effectiveness and resilience. The long-term academic and professional impacts of these educational disruptions are concerns that will need addressing as the situation develops. The war has not only caused physical damage to infrastructure but has also deeply affected the academic life, mental health, and career trajectories of the Ukrainian academic community. Further research and intervention is necessary to understand the long-term impacts and to develop effective interventions to support those affected.
