Nine-year-old Milana Minenko's life has drastically changed since fleeing the war in Ukraine. Relocated to Poland with her mother, Milana's days are filled with public school followed by evenings dedicated to keeping up with the Ukrainian curriculum. Piano lessons and other extracurriculars have been sacrificed due to time and financial constraints.

The war has robbed Milana of much more than just her home, which was destroyed by a missile. Her school, a place filled with cherished memories of friends and teachers, is gone. Her music school, where she honed her piano and singing skills, now lies in ruins. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of her primary school adds another layer of worry.

The Russian invasion has wreaked havoc on Ukraine's education system, leaving 262 educational institutions destroyed and over 3,000 damaged. However, the disruption extends far beyond physical destruction. Refugee children, like Milana, face unprecedented challenges as they grapple with adapting to new learning environments while attempting to maintain ties to their home curriculum.

With a staggering 8 million Ukrainian refugees scattered across Europe, the future of a generation hangs in the balance. Ukrainian officials emphasize the crucial role these children will play in rebuilding their nation. The war's devastating impact includes the deaths of at least 500 children and the forced deportation of thousands to Russia. The number of refugees who will eventually return to Ukraine remains uncertain.

Poland, hosting the largest number of Ukrainian refugees (1.5 million), has become a haven for many hoping to return home eventually. Unlike some other European countries, Poland does not mandate school enrollment for refugee children. This has resulted in fewer than half of the Ukrainian child refugees in Poland being enrolled in local schools, according to UNICEF. Language barriers pose a significant obstacle, with most arriving with no knowledge of Polish. An estimated 30% of enrolled Ukrainian children are simultaneously studying the Ukrainian curriculum online.

The situation is particularly dire for older students, with only 22% of Ukrainian teenagers in Poland attending Polish schools. Experts warn of the long-term consequences of these educational disruptions, impacting not only academic progress but also social development and mental well-being. The loss of extracurricular activities, like Milana's music lessons, further compounds the challenges.

Existing teacher shortages in Poland exacerbate the difficulties faced by Ukrainian refugee students. While Ukrainian and Polish share similarities, mastering Polish for academic purposes takes considerable time. Juggling two curricula adds further stress to students already coping with the trauma of war and displacement. The instability caused by frequent relocation adds yet another layer of complexity.

Some students, like 16-year-old Polina Plokhenko, have opted to focus on Ukrainian studies online. However, this presents its own set of challenges, with lessons often interrupted by bombings and power outages. The upcoming final state examination, crucial for university entrance, adds significant pressure.

Organizations like Unbreakable Ukraine have stepped in to provide support, establishing Ukrainian schools in Poland. However, these schools also face challenges, including funding cuts and concerns about the overall academic level of the students. The war's impact on education is pervasive and deeply concerning.

As some Ukrainian students gradually integrate into the Polish system, others remain disconnected. Growing tensions between Poles and newcomers in schools, including instances of bullying, add to the challenges faced by refugee children. Milana, while making progress in Polish, still struggles to balance the demands of two curricula. The family's focus remains on basic needs, with piano lessons a distant dream.

The longing for home and a return to normalcy permeates the lives of Ukrainian refugee families. Milana's mother, Oksana, dreams of a time when her daughter can once again embrace her teacher and return to the familiar comforts of home.