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Testimonies: Ukrainian refugees on their education journeys in European host countries
More than three years into the war in Ukraine, an estimated . This displacement presents significant challenges to children's education. However, teachers, policymakers, and other education partners in host countries across Europe are working together to ensure that Ukrainian students can still access inclusive and quality education.
Adapting to a new school in Czechia
For students like Ilona, a 13-year-old from Kharkiv now studying in Prague at a UNESCO Associated School, adapting to a new education system has been challenging. She combines in-person learning at school in Czechia with online lessons from Ukraine, as she wants to stay connected to the Ukrainian curriculum.
It’s not easy balancing school here with studying online with my school in Kharkiv. My classmates often go home to rest or have fun, while I have to attend additional classes in Ukrainian.
Czechia, which , is one of many countries with policies to support Ukrainian learners. These measures include streamlined enrollment processes, hiring Ukrainian-speaking teaching assistants, and providing psychosocial support.
Anastasia and Albina, two Ukrainian students in Prague, recall the challenges of starting school without speaking Czech. They emphasize the importance of patience and encouragement from peers and teachers.
During the first semester, we didn’t receive grades because we still didn’t speak Czech well enough. Encouragement from classmates and teachers can make a big difference in how welcome we feel at school.
The Czech language is very difficult, and it takes time for us to learn it well. It’s really important for all students to help us feel welcome in the classroom.
Inclusive teaching to support integration in Germany
At a UNESCO Associated School in Tübingen, Germany, teachers are working to foster inclusive learning environments for Ukrainian students. Olha, a Ukrainian teacher, fled to Germany in 2022 and now teaches German and English to refugee students. Having experienced displacement herself, she understands the difficulties her students face.
I am grateful to my school for enabling me to continue my passion for teaching. I hope for peace in Ukraine and that those who return will bring with them new knowledge, experiences, and friendships that transcend borders.
To enhance students’ learning, teachers in the International Preparatory Class employ inclusive teaching methods in the classroom. While German remains the primary language of instruction, informal conversations in Ukrainian provide students with a sense of familiarity.
Julia, German and history teacher, has seen firsthand how education can provide stability for refugee students.
As Albert Einstein said: ‘In the midst of difficulties lies opportunity.’ I am grateful to all who work to support refugee children. We must continue ensuring that education provides hope and a pathway to peace, even in dark times.
For students like Lydia, who attends the International Preparatory Class, inclusive education has made a difference.
I have made many friends—both Ukrainians and Germans—and I like my school. The teachers are friendly, and learning is interesting. I enjoy going to school now.
Vidéo: Ukrainian refugee students and their teacher talk about their education journey in Germany
Strengthening refugee education through enhanced data
UNESCO, in collaboration with UNHCR and the Regional Refugee Technical Hub, have launched a dashboard to consolidate key data, policy measures, and evidence on education for Ukrainian refugees.
Findings indicate that since the war began, a growing number of Ukrainian students have enrolled in formal education in host countries, with an average enrollment rate of 78% across ten surveyed countries. However, disparities persist, particularly for students with disabilities and those facing language barriers. Approximately 29% of Ukrainian students follow a dual education pathway, balancing both host country and Ukrainian curricula, often dedicating an additional three hours per day to studies.
Through leveraging enhanced data, educators and policymakers can improve access to education and learning outcomes and foster inclusive education systems for all.
The UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet) connects nearly 10,000 schools in 181 national networks around a common goal to build peace in the minds of children and young people.
