The war has significantly altered access to education in Ukraine, forcing state institutions and international organisations to seek new approaches to ensuring the continuity of learning. The UN Education Cluster has become one of the key instruments for coordinating humanitarian aid in the education sector. Its activities span both the global level and local initiatives aimed at supporting pupils, teachers and educational infrastructure in times of crisis.
How the UN Education Cluster works
The Education Cluster is part of a broader humanitarian coordination system designed to respond effectively to emergencies. Its main objective is to bring together various organisations—from UN agencies to non-governmental initiatives—around the shared goal of ensuring access to education.
The cluster functions as a platform for data sharing, planning and resource allocation. This helps to avoid duplication of projects and enables a faster response to changing circumstances. In different countries, it adapts to local conditions, taking into account the extent of damage, access to technology and the needs of the population.
Education in times of humanitarian crises
In a global context, the education cluster responds to conflicts, natural disasters and mass population displacement. According to estimates by international organisations, millions of children lose access to education every year due to emergencies. In such circumstances, education fulfils not only an academic function but also serves as a factor for stability, psychological support and social integration.
The cluster’s work includes setting up temporary learning spaces, providing schoolchildren with materials, and training teachers to work in crisis situations. Particular attention is paid to the safety of the educational environment and inclusivity, so that education remains accessible to children with diverse needs.
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The education sector in Ukraine during the war
In Ukraine, the education cluster stepped up its activities following the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. A significant number of schools were destroyed or damaged, and millions of children were forced to leave their homes or switch to remote learning.
The cluster coordinates the work of dozens of international and national partners. This involves the supply of teaching materials, the restoration of educational spaces, the fitting out of shelters in schools, and support for digital education. A key focus has been on assisting teachers working in challenging conditions, often combining offline and online teaching formats.
Particular emphasis is placed on regions affected by active hostilities. Programmes are being implemented there to rapidly restore access to education, including mobile classrooms and alternative forms of learning. This enables children to continue their education even in situations where traditional school infrastructure is unavailable.
Digital solutions and new learning formats
The war has accelerated the digitalisation of education in Ukraine. The education cluster supports the development of online platforms and ensures that schoolchildren have access to gadgets and the internet. This approach enables the learning process to continue even whilst on the move or whilst in shelters.
At the same time, digital solutions do not fully replace traditional learning. Many communities are combining different formats, adapting them to the security situation. This creates a new model of education that combines flexibility and resilience to crises.
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Psychosocial support and the role of education
The education cluster places significant emphasis on providing psychosocial support for children. The war affects pupils’ emotional well-being, which in turn impacts their ability to learn. In response, programmes are being implemented to create a safe environment and support mental health.
Teachers undergo special training to better support children who have experienced trauma. In this context, education becomes a space for recovery, where children gain a sense of stability and predictability.
Challenges and prospects
Despite significant support, Ukraine’s education system faces a number of challenges. These include unequal access to education across different regions, a shortage of resources, and teacher burnout. Some children have been learning remotely for a long time, which affects the quality of education and their social development.
The education cluster continues to adapt its activities to the new circumstances. The role of long-term programmes aimed at rebuilding and modernising the education system is growing. At the same time, international support remains a key factor in keeping the education process going during the crisis.
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