In Kyiv, as the air raid siren blared for a ballistic missile threat, a group of eight-year-old children gathered in their school's basement with pencils and textbooks to continue studying. The bomb shelter quickly filled up, with one group practicing cursive, another reading, and a dance class spontaneously breaking out.
Teacher Liudmyla Yaroslavtseva, from Kyiv's Art Lyceum "Zmina," noted the children's maturity, shaped by the ongoing war that had initially caused tears and panic when the sirens sounded.
After three years since Russia's launch in February 24, 2022, the toll on the children's emotional well-being is becoming evident. An increase in minors seeking mental health support has been observed, with over 50,000 children receiving assistance within the first nine months of 2024 – triple the number in 2023.
In response to the growing need, the Ministry of Education and Science in Ukraine highlighted the importance of providing psychological aid to students and teachers due to the psychological trauma induced by war-related stressors.
Art teacher Valentyna Maruniak has observed changes in her students' artwork, reflecting a transition from depicting war-related imagery to scenes of hope and beauty, symbolizing a desire for peace and serenity.
In a poignant moment, young Solomiia Karanda depicted a landscape from her past, revealing poignant memories influenced by the conflict. While her classmate Nikita Bondarenko illustrated scenes inspired by his father's military service, showing a blend of innocence and the harsh realities of war.
As the war persists, the impact on children's daily lives continues, with safety concerns disrupting education and social interactions, heightening the challenges they face.
Psychologist Katerina Timakina emphasized the urgent need for psychological support to address the long-term impacts on the younger generation, grappling with the aftermath of both the war and the preceding pandemic.
The pervasive emotional toll underscores the necessity of sustained support and care for the children and educators facing ongoing hardship, as they navigate the enduring challenges of living through conflict and its aftermath.