Project/Icons / advocateProject/Icons / appealsProject/Icons / blog postProject/Icons / documentsProject/Icons / educateProject/Icons / healthProject/Icons / media releaseIcons/moneyIcons/moneyx2Project/Icons / petitionIcons/Ionic/Social/social-pinterestProject/Icons / protectProject/Icons / quoteProject/Icons / supportProject/Icons / volunteerProject/Icons / water
Donate

Voices from 100 days of conflict

02 June 2022, Voices from the Field

Voices from those living and working in war as Ukraine conflict passes hundred days

A burnt out bus outside a school in Kharkiv serves as stark reminder of the continuing conflict in Ukraine. The building façade in the background looks deceptively intact, covering from sight the actual devastation inside the classrooms. But the yard is eerily empty - there are no school children here, no rhymes or songs being sung, no balls or skipping ropes being played.

I haven’t seen school in a long time since the war started.

Lev, 11

Originally from Kharkiv, 11-year-old Lev* studies his lessons online from the shelter where he now lives in another region. His favourite subjects are English, because he likes to compare it to Ukrainian, and maths because he likes solving puzzles. One day he’d like to be an IT specialist. 

Lev remembers the day when conflict escalated on February 24. “I wanted to go to school that Thursday, but I couldn’t,” he says. For the young boy, school is a sweet but distant memory.

Since the escalation of conflict in February, the number of attacks on schools in Ukraine has skyrocketed. At least 1,800 schools have been damaged or destroyed. All 7.5 million children from Ukraine have experienced some form of disruption to their education as a result of the war.

Beyond their schooling, children are losing their homes. Two-thirds of children have already fled their homes in Ukraine. 

But the hundred days of escalating conflict in Ukraine have not been entirely devoid of hope. With the help of donors, Save the Children is working inside Ukraine and at the borders of neighbouring countries to support the immediate needs of children and their families.

Many voices say thanks …

As we mark the hundredth day of conflict in Ukraine, multiple voices share their own experiences on the ground. Children speak of the heavy burden of war, but with the help of donors the stories they tell can be ones filled with hope.

For supporting children’s education

Because of the conflict, more than 700,000 Ukrainian children have fled to Poland. From Warsaw, Save the Children International CEO Inger Ashing shares how our teams are helping provide children with education - so they have an opportunity to dream and become whoever they want for the future.

For getting food to children

With support from donors who responded to the Ukraine Emergency Appeal, Save the Children is sending essential food deliveries into Ukraine. Heather Lawless, Humanitarian Operations Officer, is on the ground in Northern Romania where essential food supplies are prepared for distribution to children and families, with the help of partner organisations in Ukraine. She sends a message of thanks.


For providing a Child Friendly Space

“One of the biggest fears for children who have come across the border is the long-term emotional impact of the horrendous and traumatic experiences they’ve been through,” says Dan Stewart, Head of News for Save the Children UK. Dan takes us to a temporary camp to share how child friendly spaces offer a welcoming environment where children can play and recover.


For a dignified way of helping through cash

“Everyday we’re identifying more and more people who need our support,” says John Sandle, Cash and Voucher Assistance Adviser. From Krakow, Poland, John shares why setting up systems to ensure Ukrainian refugees receive cash or voucher aid is extremely important for families fleeing conflict.


The life-saving assistance we provide, such as food, water, cash transfers, and safe places for children, are all made possible through the compassionate support of donors.

*Name has been changed to protect identity.

Stay up to date on how Save the Children is creating a world where every child has a safe and happy childhood