[Ukraine] Three Years of Ongoing War (Series 2)
“Children under the age of three only know a life of war.”
Interview with Eugenia, Director of Chernihiv’s 72nd Kindergarten
Peace Winds has assisted in the renovation of two kindergartens in the northern city of Chernihiv, which was severely affected by the Russian invasion. The kindergartens were able to reopen in the fall of 2023 after 20 months of reconstruction. However, attacks by Russian forces have continued, with frequent strikes, especially targeting power facilities. As a result, the city experiences frequent blackouts and planned power outages. Currently, Peace Winds is conducting a crowdfunding campaign to send a generator to the 72nd Kindergarten. The aim is to ensure that children can avoid suffering from the cold in either their classrooms or underground shelters. We spoke with Eugenia, the director of this kindergarten, to learn more about the situation.
The stress caused by war on children is immense.
— Since the renovation was completed in the fall of 2023, what is life at the kindergarten like?
Director: The kindergarten was able to reopen after repairing the walls and windows, but every day we face missile and drone attacks, leading to a life filled with anxiety both day and night. Last night, there was a fierce drone attack near my home, and I couldn’t sleep much.
— Do the children often enter the underground shelter?
Director: Yes. Alarms are sounded, and actual attacks occur, so we move to the shelters almost every day. Children as young as three only know a life surrounded by war. This has become their daily reality, but this cannot be good for their development.
— Do the children spend long hours in the dark and cold underground shelters?
Director: Yes, unfortunately, that’s often the case. It’s a long and difficult time for them.
— What impact do you think growing up in a war-torn environment will have on children’s development?
Director: The stress that war places on children is enormous. Some of the children have parents who are fighting on the front lines. They worry every day whether their parents will come back safely. The stress of hearing explosions and seeing destroyed buildings is also significant. While children smile when they’re happy, they can sense adult anxieties, and deep down, they carry their own worries.
We do our best to repair the damaged parts of the building and keep the children away from seeing destroyed structures. Our efforts aim to minimize the impact of the war on them.
The loss of educational opportunities.
—What other impacts does the war have on the children?
Director: One of the major impacts is the loss of educational opportunities. Even when we have a program planned for the day, alarms go off, and we have to evacuate to the shelters, so it’s impossible to proceed as planned.
— What do you pray for every day?
Director: I pray every day for the children’s safety, for the safety of the parents, and for their safe return. Every day, without fail.
— The burden on the teachers must also be immense. What supports you?
Director: The children’s smiles are the greatest source of strength for me. We support the children, but in truth, they support us as well. The volunteer parents are also a great source of support. We work together with them to prepare gifts for the soldiers on the front lines, and this activity brings us all together and strengthens our resolve.
Children’s smiles are what support everyone.
— We hope for the swift end of the war. When the war is over, what would you like to do with the children?
Director: We’ll celebrate. After that, we will live our everyday lives and enjoy them. I would like to do something creative and experience the joy of being able to do that.
— We truly hope that day comes soon.
Director: Yes. I hope the peaceful sky of Japan continues to stretch out. That is the most important thing. The support from people in Japan feels like the angels who protect each one of us. I hope that everyone in Japan can live in peace.
