Ukrainian students living near the front lines of Russia's ongoing invasion have started their fourth consecutive school year in underground facilities, forced to seek shelter in basements to protect themselves from constant air raid alarms. The students in Bobryk, located in the Sumy region, began their classes on Monday, September 1, 2025, in the basement of a municipal building rather than traditional classrooms.

The Bobryk school administration made the difficult decision to relocate all educational activities to the underground space due to the relentless stream of air raid warnings that have made above-ground learning impossible. Students of various ages gathered in the dimly lit basement rooms, carrying their backpacks and school supplies as they navigated the unconventional learning environment.

Photographs from the first day of school show young students attentively listening to their teachers despite the challenging circumstances. In one image, a school boy is seen drawing during his lesson, maintaining focus on his artwork while surrounded by concrete walls and basic lighting. The basement classrooms have been equipped with desks, chairs, and basic educational materials to create as normal a learning environment as possible under the circumstances.

Parents have also adapted to this new reality, with mothers accompanying their children into the underground spaces to help them prepare for lessons. The images capture touching moments of family support, including a mother helping her son get ready for class in the makeshift classroom setting. Despite the unusual environment, the educational process continues with teachers conducting lessons and students participating actively in their studies.

The situation in Bobryk reflects the broader challenges facing Ukraine's education system as the country enters its fourth year of conflict. Schools across regions near the front lines have had to develop creative solutions to ensure that children's education continues despite the ongoing security threats. The underground classrooms represent both the harsh reality of war and the determination of Ukrainian communities to maintain normalcy for their children.

The basement setting, while providing necessary safety from potential attacks, presents obvious limitations in terms of natural light, space, and traditional classroom amenities. However, teachers and students have shown remarkable resilience in adapting to these conditions, demonstrating their commitment to continuing the educational process regardless of external circumstances.

This academic year marks a significant milestone as it represents the fourth consecutive year that Ukrainian schools have had to operate under wartime conditions. The images from Bobryk serve as a powerful reminder of how the conflict has fundamentally altered daily life for Ukrainian families, yet also showcase the community's unwavering dedication to ensuring their children's future through continued education.