Kyiv, 2 February 2023 – The United Nations Development Programme in Ukraine has launched a project aiming to repair initially 50 schools that were damaged during the full-scale Russian invasion, in municipalities across Ukraine. A recently signed agreement between the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) worth EUR 14 million (US$14.7 million) will enable for works to start in 2023 on the first batch of schools, in order to provide the highest quality learning environment for more than 21,000 students.

Specific repairs to damaged buildings, which were selected in consultation with the Government of Ukraine, will include the installation of new windows, repairs of roofs and sanitary facilities. Heating systems will be repaired or enhanced, and sirens will be tested and if needed replaced. Finally, bomb shelters will be enhanced to keep children safe from aerial attacks. All repairs will take into consideration inclusivity, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency standards.

“We are proud to help the children of Ukraine access a safe learning environment together with our partner UNDP. Children are the future of Ukraine, and they belong at school,” said Claudia Amaral, Head of EU Humanitarian Aid in Ukraine.

Jaco Cilliers, interim UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said his organization appreciates the long-standing strategic partnership with the EU, making it possible to respond to Ukraine’s acute needs promptly while building relationships with local authorities and communities to help ensure the restoration work is done quickly and efficiently. “We have an ambitious task to make sure that tens of thousands of children, their teachers, parents and other community members feel safe in the newly repaired schools,” he said. “It also is important to build them back better than before, with sustainability criteria that contribute to a green and circular economy.”

Media enquiries: Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org