Background: 

The war in Ukraine has severely disrupted the education of millions of Ukrainian children, with over 7.5 million children affected since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent conflict. Many Ukrainian children have sought refuge in neighboring countries, including Poland, Moldova, and Romania, where they face unique educational and well-being challenges. While some children access online education provided by Ukraine, others attempt to integrate into local schooling systems, resulting in varied learning experiences and outcomes. 

Save the Children has launched this study to assess the quality of education available to Ukrainian refugee children, particularly focusing on those aged 10-14. This research aims to inform NGOs, government agencies, and donors about gaps in educational support, well-being, and mental health provisions for Ukrainian children in Poland, Moldova, and Romania, enabling targeted interventions and policy advocacy. 

Triangle’s Assignment: 

Triangle is conducting a comprehensive study of education quality barriers for Ukrainian refugee children over an eight-month period. The assignment includes evaluating the quality of education across different schooling systems, assessing the well-being and psychosocial support (MHPSS) available to Ukrainian children, and identifying barriers to education access for marginalized groups. 

Objectives: 

The study has several key objectives: 

• Assess Education Quality: Analyze whether the current educational models (online vs. in-person) meet the learning needs of Ukrainian children, including their ability to achieve at grade level. 
• Evaluate Well-being Support: Examine the psychosocial and child protection systems available in host countries, understanding the extent to which these systems support the mental health and safety of refugee children. 
• Identify Barriers for Marginalized Groups: Investigate specific barriers faced by marginalized groups, such as children with disabilities or those from minority communities, and the hidden costs impacting their education and well-being. 
• Provide Recommendations: Offer insights and recommendations for improving educational quality, inclusivity, and well-being support in host countries. 

Research Approach & Methodology: 

Triangle is employing a mixed-methods approach, which includes: 

• Desk Review: Analyzing existing literature and prior research conducted by Save the Children and other stakeholders to establish a foundational understanding and avoid duplication. 
• Fieldwork and Data Collection: Conducting focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews across Poland, Moldova, and Romania to gather qualitative insights. Triangle is also training local enumerators to assist with data collection, ensuring cultural and contextual accuracy. 

• Child Participation: Engaging children in consultative methodologies to gather their perspectives on learning and well-being, with findings validated with child participants for transparency and inclusivity. 
• OECD-DAC Framework: Analyzing findings according to OECD-DAC criteria, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, and inclusivity to align with Save the Children’s objectives for education and well-being.