Reconstruction, inclusion and nutrition: how Mykolaiv schools changed during the war

As part of the updated education program for 2025-2027, Mykolaiv has implemented certain measures to create a safe environment in schools and kindergartens.

This is evidenced by the decision of the Executive Committee of the Mykolaiv City Council.

As of today, 27 schools already have the simplest shelters. This is 42% of the total number of general secondary education institutions. Work is underway in 15 institutions, which is 23.4%.

The reconstruction of a radiation shelter for students in grades 1-4 at Lyceum No. 38 named after V.D. Chaika is nearing completion.

It is also planned to build shelters for gymnasiums No. 10, No. 18, lyceum No. 8 and the Academy of Children's Creativity.

In terms of inclusion, four schools are planning to receive stair lifts for children with special educational needs.

As of today, all educational institutions have been provided with autonomous power sources, and special safety classes have been set up in six schools.

Due to the water supply problem, 42 schools are equipped with water purification systems based on 27 wells and 13 water pipes. Kindergartens have 7 wells and 19 water pipes.

Also, with the help of a state subvention, canteens in four educational institutions are being renovated. Every day, 4415 privileged pupils receive hot lunches at the expense of the city budget.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has had a significant impact on the methods of ensuring security in educational institutions. These initiatives have shown how the prioritization of children's safety in Mykolaiv has changed, even under difficult wartime conditions.

A new law passed in June of this year establishes a reform of preschool education that will take effect next summer. The main responsibility for implementing the reform lies with communities. Mykolaiv educators have already studied the law in detail and prepared a number of proposals, including staffing, funding, and safety in kindergartens.

Traditional offline education is not available to everyone during the war. Therefore, in cities close to the front, they were in no hurry to return to the traditional offline learning format. Instead, they started testing underground schools.

In May, the Ministry of Education and Science approved a list of facilities to be funded by subventions from the state budget to create safe conditions in schools. UAH 2.5 billion was allocated for this purpose. In August, the Cabinet of Ministers approved additional funding for this area, bringing the total subvention to UAH 7.5 billion. Part of this money will be used to finance new and already started construction of underground schools.

Анна Бальчінос