Displaced Ukrainian children find refuge in kindergarten school and learn how to cope from the war

Working in a kindergarten school helps a Ukrainian mother look after her four-year-old daughter during the difficult times of the ongoing war.

“I work in the same kindergarten where my daughter goes. In today's reality in Ukraine, I feel calm watching over what my daughter is doing and making sure she is safe during air raids,” shares Maria Korenyak, Asya’s mother, a kindergarten teacher and psychologist.

Maria’s family had lived in Bucha, Kyiv region when the crisis broke out in Ukraine. Maria and her husband immediately decided to leave their hometown and keep little Asya safe.

“We explained to Asya that we cannot stay anymore, and we are going on a long trip. We want to avoid her from enduring a traumatic experience in her young age. She had been hearing the explosions and sound of helicopters flying overhead,” Maria says.

Asya is among the millions of Ukrainian children affected by the ongoing war. But her behavior improved when she started attending the kindergarten where her mom works. “Asya became calmer and became more focused on whatever she is doing”, adds Maria.

I paint with paints and felt-tip pens. I experiment with various crafts. I really like going to kindergarten. I have many friends here. I like working with the speech therapist. I was taught how to do various things with my tongue.

She further shares, “Before she was emotionally disturbed and wanted to do several things at the same time. She always seemed to be rushing. Now she is noticeably more relaxed,” explains Tetyana Yurchenko, who is Asya’s kindergarten teacher.

World Vision and Germany's Relief Coalition Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) together with its implementing partner NGO Girls “Divchata” opened the kindergarten in September last year. According to Tetyana, this school serves as an "island of peaceful life" where children can develop their skills, communicate with their friends, and most importantly forget about the fear of war outside the window.

“I paint with paints and felt-tip pens. I do experiments of various crafts. I really like going to kindergarten. I have many friends here. I like working with the speech therapist. I was taught how to do various things with my tongue. For instance, I like to start the engine with my tongue. It is so funny,” says Asya as she laughs.

Maria finds kindergarten very helpful for Asya as she gradually learns the social skills she will need later in life. “During the educational process, various situations can occur. Sometimes there are even small misunderstandings”, Maria explains.

She adds, “But she is learning how to solve them. She was not used to coping with problems independently, which is understandable. But this kindergarten has taught her many things including coping with the situation,” says Maria.

World Vision has supported more than 20,000 children who endure constant fear and tension due to air raids and rocket attacks with child protection programming in Ukraine. The kindergarten school provides them the chance to have a happy childhood and a safe environment.

Download World Vision's Child Protection Report on The Impact of War on Ukraine's Children

Story and photos by Oleksandra Shapkina, Communications Officer