“I want a peaceful sky”: Education and children’s wellbeing in wartime Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has caused massive displacement, economic damage, and human suffering in the country. The UN has recorded 32,100 civilian casualties, with 1,800 children amongst those killed or injured. The war has also caused the largest civilian displacement in Europe since World War II, with nearly one-third of Ukrainians forced to flee their homes in 2022. Ukrainian cities face continuous aerial bombardments, drone attacks, and artillery fire, particularly near the front lines. Civilian infrastructure, including schools, water, and power stations, have been deliberately targeted.

This report documents the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine on children’s education and mental health, based on comprehensive research conducted by Save the Children in 2023 and 2024.  This research included over 1,000 surveys of children and parents, a survey of 460 teachers, key informant interviews, and focus groups across five geographical clusters, including the regions most affected by the war.