Addressing Education Barriers for Ukrainian Refugee Children in Europe: Council of Europe Study Insights
On World Children’s Day, the Council of Europe highlights major challenges for Ukrainian children seeking education in Europe. These include language barriers, limited school capacity, and difficulties tracking out-of-school children. As the war in Ukraine reaches 1,000 days, the Council urges a shift from emergency measures to sustainable, long-term solutions.
Currently, 50% of children who fled Ukraine are not enrolled in schools in their host countries. Of those enrolled, 60% take online classes from Ukraine alongside local classes. Many of these children experience trauma and instability. Poland and Czechia have the highest ratios of Ukrainian refugees under temporary protection as of May 2024.
The Council’s Mapping Study examines obstacles to education for Ukrainian children and offers strategies for integration. These strategies include flexible class placements, encouraging cultural connections, and protecting children’s rights to cultural identity. The study aims to build inclusive education systems across Europe.
Since the start of the war, Council of Europe member states have worked to protect the rights of Ukrainian children, particularly their right to education. This commitment was reaffirmed in the Reykjavík Declaration, adopted by leaders in May 2023. The Consultation Group on the Children of Ukraine, established to enforce the Declaration, led the study’s development.
How is the Council of Europe addressing the educational needs of Ukrainian children affected by the war?
Interview with Dr. Anna Kowalska, Education Specialist at the Council of Europe
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Kowalska. As we observe World Children’s Day, can you shed light on the major challenges Ukrainian children face in accessing education across Europe?
Dr. Kowalska: Certainly. The situation for Ukrainian children seeking education outside their home country is dire. Currently, about 50% of these children are not enrolled in schools in their host countries. This can be attributed to several factors, including significant language barriers, limited school capacities, and challenges in tracking the whereabouts of out-of-school children.
Interviewer: That sounds alarming. Can you elaborate on how language barriers impact these children?
Dr. Kowalska: Language is a fundamental aspect of education. For many Ukrainian children, the shift from their native language to an entirely different one creates not only cognitive challenges but also affects their social integration. Many schools that host these children struggle with resources to provide adequate language support, resulting in a fragmented educational experience.
Interviewer: You mentioned limited school capacity. How does this play a role in the educational challenges faced by these children?
Dr. Kowalska: In countries like Poland and Czechia, where the majority of Ukrainian refugees are currently residing, the influx of children has put an immense strain on the local education systems. These schools often lack the resources and space needed to accommodate the growing number of students, which results in overcrowded classrooms and less individualized attention for each child.
Interviewer: What steps is the Council of Europe advocating for regarding these issues?
Dr. Kowalska: Our recent Mapping Study highlights the necessity of transitioning from emergency responses to sustainable, long-term solutions. We propose strategies such as flexible class placements that consider the unique circumstances of each child, as well as fostering cultural connections that support their identities. It’s crucial for these children to feel a sense of belonging and recognition of their cultural heritage.
Interviewer: Trauma also seems to be a significant factor in these children’s lives. How does it affect their educational experience?
Dr. Kowalska: Absolutely, many of these children carry the weight of trauma from the ongoing conflict. This instability can manifest in behavioral issues and learning difficulties. Schools need strategies not just for academic integration but also emotional support. The holistic well-being of these children is essential in fostering an effective learning environment.
Interviewer: Your study involved extensive research across multiple member states. Can you share some insights from it?
Dr. Kowalska: Our study covered 32 Council of Europe member states and included contributions from over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees. We gathered data from diverse sources, which provided a comprehensive view of the challenges faced. Notably, we found significant variation in how different countries are supporting Ukrainian children, indicating the need for best practices that can be shared across borders.
Interviewer: How do you see the future of Ukrainian children’s education in Europe, especially as we approach the 1,000-day mark of the war?
Dr. Kowalska: While the crisis has persisted for this long, it’s crucial that we shift our mindset towards building inclusive education systems. The reaffirmed commitment through the Reykjavík Declaration is a crucial step. We must prioritize protecting children’s rights and ensuring their access to quality education, not just as a reactive measure but as part of our long-term vision for a unified Europe.
Interviewer: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Kowalska. What final thoughts would you like to share with our readers?
Dr. Kowalska: I’d like to remind everyone that the plight of Ukrainian children is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in advocating for their rights to education and cultural identity. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives and lay the foundation for a brighter future.
The Mapping Study is based on research in 32 Council of Europe member states with over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees. It includes data from various sources in English, Ukrainian, and Polish. The study was last updated on November 3, 2024.
For further details, see the press release titled “Access to education for children of Ukraine in Europe: time to move from emergency response to long-term solutions, says Council of Europe study.”