How Children of Heroes supports education for Ukrainian children who lost one or both parents

The Children of Heroes Charity Fund focuses on long-term assistance for Ukrainian children who have lost one or both parents due to the war. Education and development is one of the Fund’s core programs.

In this article, we outline the main challenges children face in learning, explain how Children of Heroes makes education and development more accessible, and share real examples of such support.

Education during war in Ukraine: key challenges

As of May 2024, around 4.6 million children in Ukraine face barriers to education. The key challenges include:

• Physical damage to educational institutions. Numerous schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed as a result of military actions. More than 10 percent of Ukraine’s education infrastructure has been directly affected. As of December 31, 2024, 385 buildings that served as educational institutions were completely destroyed.
• Displacement of children and educators. Many children have been forced to leave their homes because of ongoing hostilities. As of January 2023, 510,405 students and 12,439 teachers in general secondary education were abroad.
• Families lack the financial means to provide basic learning tools. According to the statistics gathered by Children of Heroes, 27% of children in the Fund’s care live in families with hard financial situations. Thus, they don’t have sufficient means to buy digital learning tools for children, stationery, textbooks or cover tutoring.
• Mental health issues. Alongside education, the war disrupts daily routines and communication with peers, which makes social development harder. For children supported by Children of Heroes, the loss of a parent adds another layer of difficulty. Grief makes it especially challenging to return to everyday life and stay engaged in school.

Education as a foundation for future success and independence

According to the World Bank, education has a direct impact on income and long-term independence. Research shows that each additional year of schooling increases earnings by about 10% on average worldwide.

At the same time, Ukraine is experiencing a significant outflow of educated young people. Research by VoxUkraine reveals that the number of Ukrainian students entering Western universities increased more than fivefold between 2008 and 2023. However, another survey data indicates that 72% of displaced young Ukrainians are willing to take part in rebuilding their communities.

By providing educational support, Children of Heroes works to ensure access to stable and continuous learning. This gives children the chance to grow into the future leaders of Ukraine and contribute to the country’s recovery across all sectors – from defence and healthcare to education, IT, and public services.

Education and development program at Children of Heroes: how it works

The education and development program at Children of Heroes aims to support children’s learning at different stages.

Language learning

Children study English and other foreign languages in individual or group formats. Some English courses for children include classes with native speakers. Lessons are held online and adjusted to each child’s level and goals. 

Tutoring and exam preparation

Personal tutoring sessions help children keep up with key school subjects and prepare for important exams. Special focus is preparation for the National Multi-Subject Test (NMT), the mandatory online exam required for admission to higher education institutions in Ukraine.

Creative activities

Art workshops give children space for self-expression and emotional balance. Through drawing, painting, and other techniques, children develop fine motor skills, visual thinking, and the ability to reflect.

Learning devices

Laptops and tablets are provided to children who lack the technical means to study online. Devices allow children to attend classes, complete homework, and stay connected with teachers, especially in regions where offline schooling is unavailable.

IT and digital skills

IT courses introduce children to programming and digital tools through practical tasks and project-based learning. Some participants build early portfolios or explore career paths in technology, while also developing communication and teamwork skills.

Career guidance

Career guidance helps children understand their strengths and plan their future education. The program includes preparation for the NMT, mentoring, and activities that introduce different study and career paths, supported by tutors for the children of Heroes. It helps support informed choices about university admission and help teenagers build practical skills needed for further education and adult life. 

Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Children of Heroes has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The partnership focuses on expanding access to education in Ukraine for children who have lost one or both parents due to the war. A pilot project to strengthen vocational education is set to launch in the Khmelnytskyi region. 

Educational support for war-affected children in action: examples

The initiatives below are only a few examples of the Fund’s work to help children regain stability, access quality education, and choose their future path.

Back to school 2025 fundraiser

At the beginning of the 2025 academic year, Children of Heroes, with the support of partners and individual donors, provided 5,100 children with school kits, including backpacks and stationery. The initiative also supported remote learning: over 1,500 children received laptops and tablets.

In total, nearly 15 million UAH (about $348,000) was raised to support education for Ukrainian children.

NMT preparation: results

During the 2024–2025 academic year, Children of Heroes supported 185 11th-grade students in preparing for the NMT. Preparation lasted from November 2024 to May 2025 and covered key subjects: Ukrainian language, mathematics, English, history of Ukraine, geography, chemistry, and biology.

Despite challenges such as stress during long test sessions and limited experience with the NMT format, the results were strong. 177 out of 185 students were admitted to universities.

Educational trip to the United States

As part of its long-term education programs, Children of Heroes organized an educational trip to the United States for six teenage girls supported by the Fund. The initiative aimed to help participants better understand how leading universities work and what is required to study there.

During the trip, the girls visited Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Yale University. They met with students, professors, and admissions representatives, learned about application processes, and explored academic environments focused on research, technology, and innovation.

The experience helped participants better understand how quality education can expand future opportunities and how their knowledge can be applied to Ukraine’s recovery.

Conclusion

The war has disrupted education in Ukraine on many levels. Schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed, families have been forced to leave their homes, and financial instability has increased. These challenges are especially difficult for children who have lost one or both parents.

Children of Heroes provides education-based charity programs that offer structured education and development support for war-affected children, combining tutoring, exam preparation, and career guidance.

Practical initiatives – from providing school supplies and learning devices to supporting university entry – help build the skills and confidence children need for adult life and enable them to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery after the war.

FAQ

Who can receive educational support from Children of Heroes?

Educational support is available to the Children of Heroes Fund’s beneficiaries – Ukrainian children who have lost one or both parents as a result of the war. The nonprofit provides comprehensive and relevant support depending on the child’s age, education level, and individual needs.

What types of educational support does Children of Heroes provide?

The education and development program from Children of Heroes include tutoring in school subjects, preparation for the exams, foreign language learning, access to learning devices, creative and IT courses, and career guidance.

How long does the Fund support children’s education?

Children of Heroes provides long-term educational support until the age of 18 and during the transition into adult life. Support is adapted to each stage of education – from pre-school and school learning to higher education, mentoring, and career guidance.

How can I support education and development for the children of Heroes?

• For individual supporters

You can support education by contributing to the Fund’s ongoing education fundraiser.

You can also make a one-time donation or join monthly giving. The Fund directs donations to the most urgent needs, including education and development.

• For businesses and organizations

To discuss education-focused partnership opportunities, contact the Children of Heroes team at [email protected].