In the war-torn city of Zaporizhzhia, a groundbreaking initiative has emerged to ensure that children’s education continues despite the threat of Russian missile attacks. Imagine the anxiety and disruption that air raid sirens would typically bring to students, interrupting their lessons and instilling fear. However, beneath the streets of Zaporizhzhia lies a new kind of sanctuary – an underground school designed to withstand the most devastating of attacks, allowing children to come together and learn in safety.
This innovative project, which marks Ukraine’s latest response to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, has transformed a 1,309-square-meter bomb shelter into a fully functional educational facility where up to 500 students can study simultaneously. Beyond the usual subjects, these young learners are also being equipped with essential skills for survival in a frontline city, including robotics, drone operations, and tactical medicine.
The visionary behind this initiative, Ivan Fedorov, the head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration, expressed the significance of providing children and teachers with a physical space for communication, rather than relying solely on digital screens. In a region where in-person education has become increasingly challenging due to the conflict, this underground school serves as a beacon of hope for those from frontline areas and occupied territories.
During a visit to the facility, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, along with American historian Timothy Snyder, highlighted the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. As Russian missiles loom only seconds away from the city, the struggle for survival has become intertwined with the fight for a sense of normalcy and freedom.
The underground school is not just a basic shelter; it boasts amenities commonly found in traditional educational institutions, such as a medical room, cafeteria, rest areas, and a sports corner. However, its unique feature lies in its seven-meter depth and reinforced construction, specifically designed to withstand drone attacks, unmanned aerial systems, and even specialized missiles.
The opening of Zaporizhzhia’s third underground school in December 2024 marked a significant milestone, with plans for a total of 21 such facilities in the city’s future. Currently, nine additional schools are in various stages of construction, signaling a remarkable shift in civilian infrastructure to adapt to the harsh realities of the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Expert Insights on the Impact of Underground Schools
As Ukraine pioneers the concept of underground schools to protect its young population from the horrors of war, experts in education and conflict resolution have weighed in on the significance of such initiatives. Dr. Maria Petrov, a renowned psychologist specializing in trauma management, emphasized the psychological benefits of providing a safe space for children to continue their education amidst chaos and destruction.
“In times of war, the continuity of learning is crucial for the mental well-being of children. By establishing underground schools, Ukraine is not only safeguarding their physical safety but also nurturing their sense of normalcy and routine, which are essential for their emotional resilience,” Dr. Petrov stated in a recent interview.
In addition, Dr. Alexei Ivanov, a geopolitical analyst familiar with the dynamics of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, highlighted the strategic advantage of underground schools in maintaining a semblance of societal normalcy in times of crisis. “Education is a powerful tool for preserving a nation’s identity and unity, even in the face of external threats. By investing in underground schools, Ukraine is not only protecting its future generation but also sending a strong message of resilience to the world,” Dr. Ivanov remarked.
With the construction of more underground schools on the horizon, Zaporizhzhia and other frontline cities in Ukraine are setting a precedent for innovative solutions to safeguard education in the midst of conflict. As the world watches in awe at the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian people, one thing is clear – the pursuit of knowledge and normalcy will continue to thrive, even in the darkest of times.
