Assimilation or return: how to ensure children's freedom of choice

Since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine (according to various sources) more than 2 million children (more than 30% of refugees) have left Ukraine. As a significant number of Ukrainian children will remain abroad for an indefinite period, the issue of ensuring their future choices is particularly acute for them. Unlike adults, their assimilation into the societies of host countries is much easier and the connection with their country of origin disappears much faster. One of the solutions that can be used to solve this problem is the creation of language, educational and professional programs that would simultaneously create conditions for children to be equally proficient in their native language and the language of the host country, to have the appropriate skills and to be ready to participate in bilateral projects in the future, including those that will be implemented in the context of Ukraine's economic recovery. Assimilation or return: how to ensure children's freedom of choice Since the beginning of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine (according to various sources) more than 2 million children (more than 30% of refugees) have left Ukraine. As a significant number of Ukrainian children will remain abroad for an indefinite period, the issue of ensuring their future choices is particularly acute for them. Unlike adults, their assimilation into the societies of host countries is much easier and the connection with their country of origin disappears much faster. One of the solutions that can be used to solve this problem is the creation of language, educational and professional programs that would simultaneously create conditions for children to be equally proficient in their native language and the language of the host country, to have the appropriate skills and to be ready to participate in bilateral projects in the future, including those that will be implemented in the context of Ukraine's economic recovery.