In the heart of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, the devastating impact of the ongoing war with Russia has transformed the very fabric of daily life. With missiles constantly threatening from across the Russian border, childhood itself has undergone a profound shift.

In a bid to protect the city's youngest residents, school and kindergarten buildings have been closed for nearly two years, leaving playgrounds eerily empty. However, amidst the chaos, a unique initiative has emerged, taking education underground. Deep beneath the city in specially constructed classrooms at five metro stations, school lessons and, more recently, preschool classes on weekends are providing a semblance of normalcy.

For six-year-old Nika Bondarenko, these underground classes offer a chance to reconnect with other children after two years of online learning. Her mother, Olha Bondarenko, emphasizes the importance of these classes in allowing children to maintain a somewhat normal life amid the constant threat of missile attacks.

In response to the increased intensity of air attacks, the city has expanded its underground education offerings. Nearly 700 kindergarten spaces are now available underground, with at least three times that number attending school classes in the same spaces. The children, some of whom have lost parents or lived in heavily affected areas, receive not only academic instruction but also crucial emotional support from psychologists.

Kharkiv's proximity to the Russian border, a mere 40 km away, poses a significant challenge. Mayor Ihor Terekhov emphasizes the need for modern air-defense systems, acknowledging that even the most advanced Western systems would struggle at such close range. To address this, the city is investing in permanent underground structures, with an entire new school taking shape beneath a sports field in the Industrialny district.

Maryna Ovcharenko's story highlights the stark reality of life in Kharkiv, where missile strikes hit residential areas, claiming lives and destroying homes. Despite the tragedy, Maryna and her family remain resilient, finding solace in being alive and together.

The underground schools represent not only a response to immediate threats but also a commitment to the future. Natalia Bilohryshchenko, who oversees the preschool education department at the city council, emphasizes the resilience of teachers and their eagerness to return to work despite the challenges.

The images of brightly colored classrooms beneath the ground, filled with children engaged in music, movement, and laughter, stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Kharkiv. As they navigate the challenges of war, these underground classrooms embody a commitment to education, adaptation, and, above all, the hope for a future where normalcy can once again prevail.