Young refugee on a path to learning and helping others

Anastasiia, from  Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine, remembers the day when her life – and her plans – changed:

“I planned on releasing an entertaining video on 24 February 2022”, she recalls, “but after everything that happened, I couldn’t. I didn’t release it till this day.”

The high-school student, who aimed to study journalism and media literacy, had developed her own YouTube channel to tell other young people about data protection.

But as the war escalated around her, all her plans were derailed. Anastasiia left Ukraine with her mother, grandmother and two dogs. They didn’t have any destination in mind – they just wanted to escape – and the volunteers they met at the border took them to the Czech Republic. 

Despite having to leave her country, Anastasiia did not want to give up on her goals. To continue her education, she attended her Ukrainian school online, but it was not easy. 

“The lessons were always interrupted by constant sirens caused by the shellings of our city. When entering the 10th grade, I decided that I wanted to finish school earlier and go to a university in the Czech Republic.”

Anastasiia was determined to learn the Czech language so that she could enrol in the Czech education system. “After attending a course, I expanded my knowledge by listening to different conversations at work or between other people and watching videos online. And I also use Czech to communicate with my colleagues and while learning English at the same time, I am trying to learn more Czech to adapt to the new country.”

Anastasiia finished last two grades of Ukrainian high school in one year and applied to Charles University in Prague while participating in additional online courses. She also became a member of USAID’s Digital Youth Council: young leaders from 12 countries who focus on digital platforms and safety, aiming to reduce reducing digital harms for children and youth.

“It wasn’t easy, as I was finishing two grades in one. I had to write an essay, pass an English language test, provide a resumé with my previous jobs or activities, and have good results and grades from my previous education. I really enjoy studying politics, philosophy and economics at my University. The programme is friendly, interesting, and engaging. I have international friends from school and also some from Ukraine.” 

To cover her expenses, including tuition fees, Anaystasiia works at two jobs at the same time, including working as an operator on a helpline for refugees from Ukraine at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports (MoEYS).

“I answer questions posed by Ukrainian parents who are trying to find a school for their children. To support refugees, it´s important to provide information about the Czech education system. In most cases, country systems are different and refugees need time and support while adapting to new conditions and learning about their host country.”

The helpline has been established as part of the partnership between MoEYS to support inclusive quality education for refugee children. Since the start of the partnership in 2022, over 5,500 people have received answers to their questions about the Czech education system through the MoEYS helpline, and 7,000 people per month have been reached with information on the MoEYS Telegram channels.

Using her experience in video editing, Anastasiia also volunteers at the editorial office of ProUkrainu.cz, which is part of Czech News Centre. “I edit videos and help the media team to create content to help Ukrainian refugees to adapt in the new country.” 

She wants to encourage other young people to pursue their education, and never give up, saying: “Learn the Czech language, adapt, learn about the system, don’t be afraid to reach out to schools, they are very helpful. Learn about the school you are interested in advance and apply on time.” 

Some young refugees drop out of school as a result of the financial pressure of covering their basic needs and supporting their families back in Ukraine. UNICEF works with the government, private sector and non-governmental organizations to create alternative opportunities to learn and build skills for young people faced with such pressures. The Cesty Initiative, for example, matches young people with internships, apprenticeships and flexible work arrangements that help them to continue learning and building their skills. These young people can become the next generation of leaders and contribute to the reconstruction of post-conflict Ukraine.

When the war is over, Anastasiia hopes to go back home. “My dream is to finish university and continue to study a masters degree. I want to return to live and study in my homeland, Ukraine.”