We are the members of social organization “Sotsialnuy Rukh”: Snizhana Oleksun and Maryna Mykhalova. We are honored to speak with you today. I am the acting Head of “Socialny Rukh,” a Ukrainian democratic eco-socialist, feminist, and anti-capitalist organization. I come from Kryvyi Rih, a city that has long been the industrial heart of Ukraine, known for its iron ore and steel industries. Before the war, our city contributed 10-15% of Ukraine’s GDP. But Kryvyi Rih is more than numbers—it is a city of miners, metallurgists, and resilient working-class people.
I come from a family of miners. My father was a miner, my late husband was a miner, and my son now serves in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, just as many workers from Kryvyi Rih do. The war is not an abstraction for us—it defines our lives. It has brought tremendous loss and suffering, but it has not taken our dignity. We refuse to surrender because we know what surrender would mean. Many of our friends who stayed in occupied territories since 2014 have been imprisoned or disappeared for standing up for workers’ rights and independent unions.
As well as leading “Socialny Rukh,” I am also a teacher. I teach children of workers in both an elementary school and a college in Kryvyi Rih. Teaching during wartime is one of the greatest challenges I have faced, but it is also a profound responsibility. Education is not just about passing on knowledge; it is about giving hope and stability to the next generation.
The Impact of War on Education
The war has disrupted education in every possible way. Schools and universities were forced to close when the full-scale invasion began, and when they reopened, many faced new challenges. Safety concerns, destroyed infrastructure, lack of internet access, and displacement have left many students and teachers struggling to adapt.
To address these challenges, online education became a necessity. Platforms were developed to ensure children could continue learning, even in the most difficult circumstances. However, education during war is not just about academics. The trauma of war affects every child differently, and as teachers, we must acknowledge this.
Individualized Approaches to Education
Every child experiences the war in their own way. Some have lost their homes, some have been displaced, and others have witnessed unimaginable violence. This is why an individualized approach to education is more important than ever. For some students, traditional methods are no longer effective. Instead, we need to adapt our teaching to meet their unique needs. This includes:
● Flexible Schedules: Allowing students to complete assignments at times that work for them, taking into account their family circumstances and emotional state.
● Diverse Learning Formats: Combining online classes, in-person meetings, project-based activities, and interactive formats to engage students and keep their motivation high.
● Additional Support for Vulnerable Students: Providing extra resources and tailored support for children with disabilities, refugee children, internally displaced students, and those with special educational needs.
These approaches are essential not only for helping students keep up academically but also for addressing the emotional and psychological toll of the war.
Building Social Skills
In addition to academic knowledge, the war has shown the importance of developing social skills like collaboration, empathy, tolerance, and adaptability. These skills are crucial for helping students navigate the uncertainties of wartime and prepare for life after the conflict. Teachers can foster these skills through group projects, discussions, and role-playing activities that encourage cooperation and understanding.
The Importance of Psychological Support
We cannot underestimate the psychological impact of war on children. More than 60% of students in Ukraine are experiencing significant stress or anxiety. For some, this stress makes returning to regular education almost impossible without additional emotional and psychological support. Schools must ensure access to psychological assistance for all students who need it.
Practical measures include:
● Having school psychologists provide individual and group consultations.
● Training teachers and parents in basic psychological first aid.
● Integrating social-emotional learning into daily lessons to help students process their feelings and build resilience.
The Role of Teachers
Teachers in Ukraine have become more than educators—we are counselors, mentors, and leaders in our communities. We are working overtime to ensure that students do not fall behind academically while also addressing their emotional needs. At the same time, we are developing new methods and tools to adapt to this unprecedented situation.
For example, we have embraced technology to create interactive lessons, video tutorials, and digital assignments. This allows us to reach students wherever they are, even if they have been displaced. We are also using formative assessments to better understand each student’s progress and provide targeted support. These innovations, though born out of necessity, have the potential to transform education in Ukraine long after the war ends.
International Cooperation
International support has been a lifeline for Ukraine’s education system. Organizations and donors have helped rebuild schools, provide teaching materials, and train psychologists and educators. This cooperation is vital for ensuring that we can continue to provide quality education even in the midst of war.
Conclusion
Education during wartime is not easy, but it is essential. It is the foundation for our future as a democratic, just, and resilient society. Teachers, students, parents, and communities must come together to ensure that no child is left behind, no matter the challenges. With the support of our international allies and our collective determination, we will overcome this crisis and rebuild a better education system for the next generation.
Thank you for your attention, and thank you for standing with Ukraine.
Slava Ukraini!
Maryna Mykhalova – a member the Board (Rada)of Social Movement and Snizhana Oleksun – the chair of the Board.

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