Children in parts of Ukraine returned to school amid ongoing Russian attacks, with lessons adapted to wartime conditions. In Bobryk, classrooms were relocated to a refurbished basement two years ago after air-raid alerts sometimes lasted up to 20 hours, forcing students to take cover during instructional time. The basement now has ventilation, electricity, and new flooring; narrow classrooms are sometimes divided by heavy plastic. Classes are small—about ten students per class, with only seven first-graders this year. Traditional customs persisted: pupils wore embroidered shirts and brought flowers for teachers, reflecting resilience and efforts to preserve education.
The school was moved underground two years ago when air raid alerts sometimes stretched to 20 hours, paralyzing classes. The only option was to take cover and, while hiding from possible explosions, to keep studying. Now, in a basement of an administrative building never meant to be a school, classrooms line the narrow space, some divided only by sheets of heavy plastic. There are no windows or doors. During lessons, the children's voices blend together in a chorus.
Unfortunately, this neighbor' isn't going anywhere, said Oleksii, referring to Russia, when describing how much had to be done to make it happen and that it was worth it. The once damp and dark basement was refurbished with ventilation, electricity and new flooring. It is just one example of how Ukrainians are adapting to keep life moving with no end in sight to Russia's grinding assault.
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