This open letter, written by children and young people in Ukraine, shares their lived experience of war, describing disrupted education, displacement, and daily uncertainty. It highlights their resilience and hope. Children and young people in Ukraine are calling on world leaders to include youth in rebuilding efforts and to invest in education, mental health, and inclusive recovery so every child can help shape Ukraine’s future.
Dear World Leaders,
A country cannot lose if its children believe in it. And we believe. We are the children and youth of Ukraine. And we have already lived through three different lives. We remember peace. We live in war. And we are already thinking about recovery. Because we are the ones who will live here. We will dream here. We will build the future here. And we want you to hear us.
We want to give you a glimpse into our daily lives. We have studied by candlelight. We sat in bomb shelters instead of classrooms. Some of us took exams right after a night interrupted by air raid sirens. Some have fled their homes and still do not know whether they will ever return. Some of us have disabilities, and for them, every single day has been twice as hard. Sometimes it is very difficult to find the strength to keep going. Sometimes you just want someone next to you to say, “Everything will be fine.” But we do not stop. We keep going. Because we do not give up.
We know that you, adults, are now deciding what our country will look like. But if these decisions are made without us, many of us will simply leave. Not because we do not love Ukraine. But because we will not feel that this country is ours too. And then, there will be no one left to build a new society. Those who fight against us think they will win. But they have already lost. Because we are here. We are writing this letter. And we do not give up.
Therefore, we are asking for specific actions. Establish a Youth Recovery Council so that our voice is truly heard. Provide us with reliable internet and learning equipment, because exams have not been cancelled, but studying online is nearly impossible. Support scholarships for studying abroad. Launch psychological support programs for teenagers – they are vital for our well-being. Help those who have lost their homes; housing programs for youth and IDPs matter greatly. And ensure that the reconstruction serves every child without exception. Make shelters accessible to children with disabilities. Make schools accessible to everyone. Ensure that every child, regardless of whether they have a disability, have left their home, or have stayed, has equal opportunities. Because reconstruction without inclusion is not true recovery. And support our culture and creativity, because a united country begins with a united youth.
A country cannot lose if its children believe in it. We believe. Deeply. Take us with you, and together, we will make it happen.
With love and hope,
The Children and Youth of Ukraine
