16-YEAR-OLDS SHARE THEIR STORIES

Bohdan, 16.

“I dream of living a normal life, without war.”

An Education Under Fire

Ukraine’s education system was somewhat prepared for remote learning due to COVID adaptations. However, war brings unique challenges that remote learning can’t solve beyond the risks of attempting to live everyday life in a war zone. For many students, this fractured learning environment creates gaps in knowledge. Some schools operate on alternating weeks because shelters can’t accommodate all students simultaneously.

Growing Up Too Fast

With many parents serving on the frontlines, teenagers shoulder new responsibilities and emotional burdens.

The daily worry about loved ones’ safety creates constant background stress that affects everything from concentration to sleep.

Career Planning in a Wartime Economy

Economic uncertainty forces Ukrainian teens to approach career planning with remarkable pragmatism. Unlike their peers elsewhere, they aren’t just following passions—they’re analyzing job security and wartime relevance.

Finding Motivation Despite Everything

Perhaps most remarkable is how these teens maintain motivation despite daily uncertainty. Their responses reveal remarkable insight in how find inspiration and hope.

Anna, 15.

“I dream about the end of the war and the ability to live a peaceful, happy life like before.”

Sophie, 16.

“I dream of peace and calm in my country first and foremost, and in the whole world.”

Bohdan’s father Vasyl, 60 years old.

A pensioner who joined the defense of Ukraine.

In Their Own Words:

On Education

“Every day, alarms sound during the educational process and many lessons simply pass by… teachers help us forget about the alarm by conducting lessons in the basement.” – Sasha, 16

“School works one week on, one week off because shelters don’t have enough space for everyone.” – Bohdan, 16

“In these times, learning is ineffective and difficult due to distance learning and alarms. It’s very hard for me to catch up with school material, so I only do what I have resources and knowledge for.” – Anna, 15

On Parents at War

“After my father went to the front, every day I wait for news from him. Every day I wonder: ‘How is dad? Is he alive? Is he okay?'” – Sophie, 16

“It became empty and perhaps quiet at home without him… I see him rarely, but I go to visit him on the front lines whenever possible.” – Sasha, 16

“After my father went to serve, a lot changed. I hardly saw him home during the first year of the war, with rare exceptions.” – Bohdan, 16

On Career Planning

“Because of the war, I’m focusing on specialties that allow remote work, as I understand I might need to go abroad or simply won’t have the possibility to work offline.” – Bohdan, 16

“I plan to become a journalist or go into pedagogy. I would also like to help rehabilitate military personnel in their psychological state, but I’m haunted by the thought that I won’t be able to handle this emotional burden.” – Sasha, 16

“It’s very difficult for me to decide on a profession and future, since the number of opportunities has changed due to the war. But now I’m thinking about becoming a culturologist, to preserve and popularize Ukrainian cultural heritage.” – Anna, 15

Sasha, 16 – “I dream about the end of the war. I want to go outside as soon as possible and meet my father with words about peace and that everything is over.”

On Finding Motivation

“Every time I remember the price at which I’m given the opportunity to study, and how many military lives stand behind my present day, I begin to take it more responsibly.” – Anna, 15

“Despite the difficult situation in my country, I’m motivated about university entrance to make a contribution to my homeland.” – Sophie, 16

“What inspires me most not to give up is our people, who despite everything have always fought and persevered.” – Sasha, 16.

Support Ukraine’s Future Generation

These teens represent Ukraine’s future – a generation that has learned resilience, adaptability, and wisdom far beyond their years. Through evacuation assistance, educational support, and community programs, we work to create conditions where they can continue learning and developing despite war’s challenges.

Together, we can ensure they have the opportunity to realize their dreams in a peaceful Ukraine.

Thank you for standing with Ukraine