Education System in the Temporarily Occupied Territory and in the Territory of Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian War
Keywords:
Russian-Ukrainian war, education system, destruction of schools, propaganda, bullying, distance learning, occupied territories, non-occupied territories, war in Ukraine, children, schoolchildren, students.Abstract
The article explores the catastrophic impact of the Russian-Ukrainian war on Ukraine’s educational system. It analyzes in detail the destruction of educational institutions of various levels - from schools to universities - as a result of artillery shelling and rocket attacks, with a focus on the examples of Mariupol, Kharkiv and Zhytomyr region.
Particular attention is paid to the situation in the temporarily occupied territories. The author examines the systemic policy of the Russian occupation authorities aimed at displacing the Ukrainian language and imposing Russian educational programs, which contradicts international law. The author describes methods of ideological influence on children through educational materials, military training and restrictions on teaching in the Ukrainian language. The report cites cases of coercion to study according to the Russian curriculum, bullying for pro-Ukrainian positions, and pressure on parents and teachers, including threats, fines, and detention.
The article also analyzes the challenges of the educational system in the government-controlled areas, including regular air raids and the security of face-to-face education. The article highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine to support the educational process, including the introduction of distance learning and pedagogical patronage for students from the occupied territories. Existing issues and the need to improve this system are noted.
Cases of destruction of higher education institutions, even in relatively safe regions, are mentioned separately. The problem of mining of educational institutions and their impact on the educational process is emphasized.
The article concludes by stating that the educational system of Ukraine has been significantly deformed by the war. The author emphasizes the need to overcome the consequences of aggression and ensure equal access to quality education for all Ukrainian children after the end of hostilities.
