As the war in Ukraine continues, Hanna and her two sons, Danya and Oleksii, have faced significant challenges, moving four times and living with relatives in Ukraine, Moldova, and Bulgaria. Now determined to settle in Mykolaiv, the family seeks a safe kindergarten for the boys to grow and learn.
“We tried the only nearby kindergarten with a nursery group, but it was unfit for children. The walls were moldy, it was cold, and my kids fell sick frequently,” Hanna explained. “Doctors advised us not to go back.”
Recently, Danya and Oleksii enrolled in one of 20 new early childhood education support centers. These centers were established through a partnership between UNICEF and the SCC Zadzerkallia NGO, with additional support from the European Union and the Government of Japan.
The centers offer classes twice a week for two hours, aiming to help children catch up on missed preschool education. UNICEF has collaborated with Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science and the Association of Preschool Education Workers to adapt the curriculum to a 2-for-2 model and train educators.
“Nearly 7,000 children in Mykolaiv lack access to preschool education, as less than 30 percent of local preschools are fully operational this year,” said Anatolii Ihnatovych, UNICEF’s education project coordinator. “In Ukraine, half of preschool-aged children do not have access to education. We are working with partners to help communities restore full-time schooling. In Mykolaiv, we have opened 20 early childhood education support centers.”
Anastasia, a teacher at one of the centers, emphasized the importance of communication and socialization for the children. “This is a vital alternative during such difficult times. Most state kindergartens are closed, and even those with shelters cannot accommodate everyone. Here, children can interact, learn from each other, and connect with their teachers.”
To address the emotional needs of the children, the center brought in a psychologist when some children showed signs of anxiety during air raid drills. “At first, it was tough for them to understand why they had to leave everything behind. We framed it as an ‘excursion’ or a ‘journey’ with surprises in the shelter,” Anastasia shared. “Now they know they can play there and be safe.”
While the children are in class, parents have the option to leave or wait nearby. “When my kids are there, I can go to the market, do housework, or meet friends,” said Hanna. “It gives me a chance to relax and handle some errands.”
Currently, 175 children attend early childhood education support centers across Ukraine, with more than 30,000 benefiting from the 2-for-2 educational model.
You Might Be Interested In