The ongoing war in Ukraine has cast a long shadow over many facets of daily life, and the education system is no exception. Schools, traditionally safe havens for learning and growth, have been thrust into the front lines of adversity. Amid this turmoil, the resilience and dedication of Ukrainian teachers shine brightly as they strive to ensure continuity for their students. A beacon of support for educators in these trying times is the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, which has committed to bolstering educational endeavours and providing much-needed resources.
Nothing in Ukraine is spared from the brutal force of Russian invaders. Schools have been damaged or repurposed, and the safety of students and educators is a constant concern.
Ukrainian teachers have been forced to adapt rapidly to the changing realities of war. Many have transitioned to online platforms or improvised classrooms in more secure locations, often at great personal risk. In partnership with the Saving Lives humanitarian initiative, students and faculty at Mariupol State University — relocated to Kyiv after Mariupol’s devastation — received assistance.
Mykola Trofimenko, MSU’s rector, said, “The Humanitarian Center of Mariupol State University has been operating successfully for seven months. Thanks to the reliable support of the Saving Lives project, created by Metinvest in coordination with the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, we are able to provide the necessary assistance to Mariupol residents who have become internally displaced. Among them are the staff, teachers, and students of our university. On behalf of the entire academic family, I want to thank you for your contribution to a noble cause. We are proud to do good things together with you.”
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Rinat Akhmetov Foundation Sharing Teachers’ Stories
Through the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation’s Museum of Civilian Voices, the foundation has been recording first-person accounts of the horrors of war, including those of teachers. The stories of these educators reflect a profound sense of duty to their students. One teacher, for example, conducts classes in a basement to protect her students from the dangers of shelling, using a small generator to power a laptop. Another travels across the city, braving checkpoints and potential crossfire, to deliver printed materials to students without internet access. These narratives underscore the teachers’ determination to maintain a semblance of normalcy and hope for their students amid the chaos.
“When on Feb. 24, 2022, explosions rang out outside the windows of Ukrainian residents, it was clear to both children and teachers that there would be no lessons today,” explains the Museum of Civilian Voices website, where the heartbreaking tales can be heard.
The site noted that despite the stress and uncertainty of where a bomb may land, devoted teachers continue to teach knowledge-hungry youngsters, whether it be in a hallway or a bomb shelter.
The website continued, “Later, it will be written in the news that Ukraine promptly adapted the educational process to the conditions of a full-scale war. But in reality, teachers did and are doing more than ‘just doing their job.’”
The Teachers Talk
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation highlights the journey of teacher Valeriia Hukova, a primary school education from Kharkiv. “Her go-bag was full of stationery for creative classes with students, and the essentials included the equipment for online classes.
“When the city was shaking from the explosions, she continued to teach children. For 42 days, Valeriia taught online classes from the shelter. She still supports all her students. She dreams of meeting them at their school after the victory.”
Olena Peslyak, the headmaster of an Obytne school in the suburbs of Bakhmut, lamented, “It’s hard that children stay without friends, usual lives, entertainment, without anything they need.” She added that her home — and the school where she taught — were reduced to piles of bricks.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Foundation: A Pillar of Support
The support from the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has had a tangible impact on the ground. Stories of students and teachers overcoming adversity to continue their education are a testament to the effectiveness of the foundation’s initiatives. For instance, students who received tablets and internet access have been able to stay connected with their teachers and peers, ensuring that their education progresses despite the disruptions. Teachers have expressed gratitude for the psychological support provided, noting that it has helped them remain resilient and focused on their mission to educate.
The unwavering spirit of Ukrainian teachers, supported by the critical contributions of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, illustrates the power of education as a source of hope and stability in times of strife. Despite facing immense challenges, the dedication of educators to their students’ futures and the foundation’s commitment to supporting these endeavours highlight a collective resolve to ensure that education endures as a beacon of light amid the shadows of war. The story of Ukraine’s educators and the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education.
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