On Knowledge Day, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a school in the Kyiv region, where he congratulated students on the start of the new school year.
The Head of State spoke with the students and the educational institution’s administration.
“I congratulate our first-graders on September 1 – absolutely brave kids – as well as their parents, all schoolchildren, and our unbreakable country. It is very important that children have started school. It is very important that so much has been prepared,” the President said.
Because of a Russian aerial attack, teachers had to hold the first lessons in the shelter. This included the nationwide lesson “The Language of Dignity: Seeing the Person Behind the Words” for students in grades 1–4. Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the children in completing a quest and wished the students a successful school year.
“Even among any enemies, there is an understanding that children are children. But the Russians make children participants in war. They do this, they have done this, unfortunately, and they will keep doing it until they are put in their place,” the Head of State said.
The President also spoke to journalists from the United News telethon, emphasizing that over these two weeks, the Russians have been striking infrastructure, including in an effort to disrupt the start of the school year. At the same time, most partners are on vacation during this period and are effectively not responding to these constant Russian attacks.
“I believe that if there were international signals, then September 1 as well... The Russians, apart from our Armed Forces, are somewhat afraid when diplomacy speaks loudly. It is very unpleasant that some people are on vacation while others are fighting for their lives,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President thanked the parents who, despite air raid alerts and Russian attacks, remain in their homeland and, together with teachers, make every effort to ensure that our children can study at home, in Ukraine.
“I don’t really like using the word ‘socialization,’ because when speaking about children, you want to say that they are making friends, that they are among their own, among other kids who are just as cheerful and very energetic. It is good to see them interacting, to see that they have everything they need. Of course, we very much want these schools not to be built just for the sake of building them. We very much want children to be able to use this infrastructure,” the Head of State added.
The President was also shown an exhibition featuring photographs of the school, which the Russians destroyed in March 2022. It was not until last fall that the school was fully rebuilt. In addition to a shelter, the school has been made energy-independent in case of power outages, modern learning spaces and sports infrastructure have been created, and the cafeteria has been renovated. Meals are provided as part of the reform implemented under the patronage of First Lady Olena Zelenska and include free hot lunches for all students. The Head of State thanked the cafeteria staff and the school team for their work.
“Children should have everything they need. I am very glad that there is a modern kitchen facility and that the children have everything. The main thing they do not have is peace. That is true. We will certainly do everything to make it happen,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
