Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, Poland became a primary destination for displaced Ukrainians, with an estimated 957,305 Ukrainian refugees residing in the country. Among these refugees were numerous adolescents facing significant barriers to enrolling in Polish schools. In response to these challenges, CARE International in Poland, International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children Poland commissioned Triangle to conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify and understand these barriers.
The “Out of School” report, produced by Triangle, presented a detailed analysis based on a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data collection. This included Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Ukrainian adolescents and their caregivers, and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) focusing on vulnerable populations. Additionally, a survey was conducted with older Ukrainian adolescents and caregivers. The findings highlighted several critical barriers to school enrolment, including language barriers, cultural differences, and psychological distress caused by displacement. The report also revealed that many older adolescents preferred online Ukrainian education over enrolling in Polish schools, primarily due to the desire to maintain academic continuity for a potential return to Ukraine and the difficulties in adapting to the Polish education system.
Triangle’s assessment underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to support the educational integration of Ukrainian refugee adolescents. Recommendations included the development of tailored language programs, the provision of psychological support services, and enhanced collaboration between Polish authorities, NGOs, and civil society to create inclusive educational environments. By addressing these barriers, the integration of Ukrainian adolescents into the Polish education system could be significantly improved, fostering resilience and educational continuity for these young refugees.
