The Reality of War and Education
Zaporizhzhia has transformed into a battleground not only of military strategy but also of educational survival. The city, with a population of 300,000, has seen schools shuttered and education moved online since the onset of war in February 2022. For many young residents, the reality of school has become virtual, with classrooms largely empty and only accessible via screens.
In response to the persistent threats of airstrikes and radiation, local authorities have initiated the construction of underground schools designed to protect students from both bombs and radiation. These fortified spaces aim to accommodate approximately 12,000 students, with plans to extend similar protections to hospitals.
Building Resilience Underground
Among the key developments is School No. 88, where students’ education has been disrupted for too long. Kateryna Ryazko, a mother and third-generation student of the school, expresses hope for the new underground facility, stating that she wouldn’t hesitate to send her children to class there. The need for physical schooling has never been more urgent; as she points out, many children don’t even recognize their classmates after years of online learning.
The underground schools are not just an educational innovation; they represent a desperate attempt to restore normalcy in a war-torn region. Constructed with radiation and bomb-proof materials, these facilities are engineered to provide a safe learning environment amid the chaos. Ryazko mentions that the old Soviet-era school building remains intact, but the real learning needs to happen underground.
The Nuclear Power Plant’s Shadow
The Zaporizhzhia NPP, once the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, looms over the city. After falling into Russian hands, the facility has experienced frequent attacks, with both sides blaming each other for the bombardments. The danger of a nuclear disaster adds another layer of anxiety for families, as the plant requires constant electricity for safety systems—something that has been jeopardized by ongoing assaults on Ukraine’s power grid.
Experts warn that while the NPP is designed with modern safety features, the ongoing conflict poses undeniable risks. The plant’s reactors must maintain cooling systems and radiation monitors, and a prolonged power outage could lead to catastrophic failures.
The Underground School Project
The underground school project, spearheaded by local officials, represents a proactive approach to safeguarding the future generation. The construction costs are significant; for example, the budget for Gymnasium No. 71’s underground version exceeds 112 million hryvnias (approximately $2.7 million). International donors are expected to cover most of these expenses, underscoring the urgency and importance of such initiatives.
Ivan Fedorov, the head of the Zaporizhzhia region, emphasizes the critical nature of this project, likening its importance to military fortifications. The message is clear: without a safe educational environment, the future of Ukraine hangs in the balance.
A Community United
As families cope with the realities of war, hope remains that the construction of underground schools will encourage displaced families to return to Zaporizhzhia. Schools, though damaged and sparse, are set to reopen, and despite the turmoil, life continues with operational public transportation and local businesses.
Daria Oncheva, a 15-year-old student, expresses her eagerness for the new underground classrooms, recognizing that they offer a level of safety superior to being home alone during an air raid. The anticipation of resuming a semblance of normality is palpable among students and teachers alike.
Looking Ahead
With the promise of completion by December, the new underground facilities are designed to withstand the pressures of conflict, equipped with essential utilities to function independently for up to three days. As the community rebuilds and adapts, these schools symbolize resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
In a city where bombs fall within seconds and fear lingers, the establishment of these underground schools is not merely an educational initiative but a testament to the strength and hope of the Ukrainian spirit amidst ongoing turmoil.
