The EU finances the construction of shelters in schools in Mykolaiv region

Almost 2,000 children have returned to school in two regions of Ukraine where new shelters have been built. This became possible thanks to a joint EU-UNDP project to restore educational infrastructure in the affected regions.

This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.

In Mykolaiv and Zhytomyr regions, nine schools received new shelters, allowing 1,979 students and 300 teachers to return to safe full-time education. This was part of the large-scale project "EU4UASchools: Build Back Better" project implemented by the European Union and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine.

In total, the project covered 66 schools in 11 regions that were damaged by the war. As part of the initiative, roofs, windows, heating systems, furniture, and shelters were renovated. In addition, 112 educational institutions, including those in Mykolaiv region, have updated their educational environment by purchasing new desks, chairs, cabinets, and blackboards.

According to Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, the creation of modern educational spaces is a step towards restoring life in the affected communities. According to UNDP, many children have lost up to two years of schooling due to the war, so returning to full-time education is critical.

In line with the "Build Back Better" principle, schools were not just rebuilt, but modernized to meet safety, accessibility and future challenges. The Head of the EU Humanitarian Aid Office in Ukraine and Moldova, Marianne Franco, emphasized that supporting Ukrainian children and ensuring access to education are among the key priorities.

In March, 64 educational institutions were equipped with safe shelters in Mykolaiv. Of these, 26 kindergartens and 36 schools operate in a full-time format thanks to the availability of shelters. Another 18 kindergartens and schools are still undergoing repairs. In addition, fifteen communities in Mykolaiv Oblast have received new school buses purchased with the support of the Kingdom of Denmark and UNOPS.

Анна Бальчінос