Schoolyards across Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages filled once again today with a special kind of energy.

The new school year begins differently for every child and every family. For some, today means reuniting with friends after the summer break. For others, it’s a first encounter with school and a whole new chapter. And for some, it’s a day carrying memories and emotions all its own.

September 1st is an important and moving day. The war has changed childhood profoundly. For many children, this school year is beginning after a move to a new city, or to the sound of air raid sirens. Some are learning online, others are adjusting to a new class and new faces. And some, tragically, will never sit at a school desk again, because the war has taken that possibility from them.

Having a relatively safe place where you’ll always find support matters more than ever today. That’s why, in the days leading up to September 1st, we brought together the children who attend our spaces in Uzhhorod, Zaporizhzhia, and Kryvyi Rih, to spend time together, talk, play, and share some joy before the new school year begins. It matters to us that every child can be themselves, feel supported, and spend time in a safe environment.

We put together a varied program with entertainers: a neon cryo-show, colorful mocktails, active games, face painting and glitter tattoos, balloon animals. There was also dancing, bubbles, and, of course, photos to remember the day by.

In our children’s spaces, Roma children learn and play alongside children from internally displaced families and their peers from different backgrounds and cultures. We create a safe and welcoming environment where they can connect, develop their abilities, make friends, and discover new things. Through shared activities, games, and creative projects, children get to know each other’s traditions and cultural characteristics, and learn to embrace diversity with respect. This kind of intercultural dialogue helps them find common ground, understand one another better, and build a culture of mutual respect and openness.

With this bright celebration ahead of the new school year, we want to show children that learning is exciting and joyful, because knowledge opens new possibilities and helps us understand the world. That’s why we strive to ensure every child has access to education, receives the support they need, and can develop their abilities to the fullest.

We wish all schoolchildren an easy, exciting, and safe school year. Happy Knowledge Day!