The story of 500 backpacks: Returning to school after fleeing the conflict in Ukraine

Helping young Ukranian girls who have had their education disrupted is the motivation behind a programme by Plan International.

Plan International is a non Governmental Organisation (NGO) that aims to advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

As an international child-centred development organisations they operate in conflict zones across the globe and have been addressing the Ukrainian crisis since it erupted.

As the number of children fleeing their homes in Ukraine grows by the day, conflict is disrupting the education of a whole generation of pupils.

One month on from the launch of their urgent Ukraine appeal Plan International has supplied 500 backpacks to help children fleeing conflict in Ukraine return to school with the generous donations from the Irish public.

The kits, which contain essential supplies such as pens, notebooks, coloured pencils and hygiene materials, will help refugee children now living in Moldova to carry on with their studies as they enrol in local schools.

The backpacks were donated at the request of the City Hall of Chisinau, Moldova's capital city, where 397 new pupils from Ukraine have already enrolled in local secondary schools and 47 in municipal kindergartens – figures which are likely to grow as the conflict continues.

Emilia Sorrentino, Education in Emergencies Specialist at Plan International Ireland, who is on the ground in Moldova, said: “The conflict in Ukraine has disrupted the education of a whole generation of children. Getting pupils back into school is critical to provide a sense of normality and safety as they start to rebuild their lives in a new country. Girls who are in school are also less likely to be exposed to dangers such as sexual exploitation, trafficking and domestic labour.”

Emilia, who has been on the ground for some time now, continued: “Children and youth who have fled conflict have often witnessed unimaginable destruction, with little idea of when they will see family, friends and their homes again. They face considerable risks to their personal health, safety and psychosocial wellbeing. Going to school has significant emotional and psychological benefits.

“Education provides a safe environment where children and young people can continue to develop knowledge and skills, socialise with others and access other critical support services such as school meals and healthcare.”

According to the UN, more than 1.5 million children have now crossed Ukraine's borders. Since the conflict started, 75,000 children have become refugees every day, meaning that a child becomes a refugee almost every single second in this crisis.

If you would like to support the Plan International Ukrainian appeal go to Plan.ie to donate.