The first of a series of The Voices of Ukrainians in the Czech Republic surveys, prepared by PAQ Research in cooperation with the Institute of Sociology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, focuses on the experiences of Ukrainian refugees within the Czech education system. The document summarises the key findings of the research and formulates recommendations for policy makers.

The findings are based on a representative sample of 1 300 Ukrainian families who have fled to the Czech Republic together with their children aged 2 to 17. The research was conducted in the period 20 June - 13 July 2022 and is funded by the Česká spořitelna Foundation.

Key findings

Around 57% of Ukrainian refugee children were attending Czech primary schools in June, while only around 25% attended kindergartens and secondary schools. Around 1/8 of children at primary school age, and 1/5 of children at secondary school age children did not attend any classes.

According to 2/3 of the parents, children aged 3 and above could speak some Czech. Most children in primary and secondary schools study Czech, but in half of the cases the classes last only an hour a day.

As many as 2/3 of parents say their children are not integrated into a collective of Czech children. Very few Ukrainian children participate in leisure activities, although there is a strong demand for such initiatives among Ukrainian parents.  

The availability of kindergartens and play groups can in fact strengthen parents' employment opportunities. Children from families who live in non-segregated accommodation and have contacts with the local community are more likely to be involved in education. 

Find more information in Czech.