Talalaivka, Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine, 22 August 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with funding from the Government of Latvia, has facilitated the reconstruction of the Talalaivka Lyceum, a village school in Chernihiv Oblast.

UNDP oversaw the reconstruction of one building of the lyceum with Latvian Government funding of UAH 5.6 million, or approximately $137,300. Previously, the reconstruction of another building was funded with UAH 13 million or $318,627 in contributions from the Ukrainian Government Fund for the Liquidation of the Consequences of Russian Armed Aggression.

The educational institution has now been transformed into a modern and sustainable facility. With repairs to the building facade, improved insulation, renewed food block with a new water purification system installation, and repaired canteen, the lyceum now offers enhanced comfort and functionality for its 146 students aged between 6 and 17 years old, including six internally displaced persons. 

This is one of the four schools in the Talalaivka community, which has a population of 5,700 people, and the only one in the village of Talalaivka itself. The lyceum was damaged by the Russian invasion – there was shrapnel damage to the facade, windows, and the canteen.

Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia Dace Melbārde expressed her gratitude to UNDP, the administration of Chernihiv and all the people involved for successful cooperation and contributions. “It enacts hope to see tangible results from our collaboration, benefiting the people of Ukraine. Our involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction directly enhances resilience and provides confidence for a better tomorrow, which is vital during wartime. Our support affirms that Ukraine has a bright future as part of the Western world,” she said. “I am particularly proud that the support of Latvia’s state and society to Ukraine is around 1 % of GDP in 2024”.

Speaking about the project, UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers said, “The reconstruction of the Talalaivka Lyceum stands as a testament to our commitment to quality education and sustainable infrastructure development in the region. This initiative will have a lasting impact on the community and its future generations.”

Vasyl Shkurakov, Acting Minister for Communities, Territories, and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, emphasized that restoring the lyceum in Chernihiv is an investment in the future of children, who are the cornerstone of Ukraine’s recovery. “It’s essential that we create safe and conducive learning environments, as they are crucial for providing quality education," Shkurakov said. "I want to thank our international partners for their support in Ukraine's recovery efforts and for investing in the capacity and resilience of our communities.”

Head of Chernihiv Oblast Administration Vyacheslav Chaus said, "The completion of the Talalaivka Lyceum renovation symbolizes our unwavering commitment to providing quality education and safe learning environments for the children of Chernihiv Oblast. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our community."

With upgraded amenities and a new design, the school is now welcoming and comfortable, fostering engagement and interaction among students and educators. The renovation has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the lyceum, but also promises to significantly improve the quality of education delivered within its walls.

Students can now benefit from better insulation, creating a conducive atmosphere for learning year-round, while the overhaul of the canteen means that meals can be served in an improved setting. The increase in energy efficiency will ultimately reduce costs, allowing more resources to be allocated towards educational programmes and activities. 

As of today, the restoration of the facade of the kindergarten in the village of Kyinka and the roof of the school in Stary Bilous village (both – near by the Chernihiv city and damaged by the invasion) was also completed.

Overall, under the "Latvia for Chernihiv: Social Infrastructure Restoration" project, repair works on five facilities (Kyinka village kindergarten, Stary Bilous village school,  Talalaivka village school, 19 preschool in Chernihiv city and a kitchen block of the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital) are set to be completed by the end of the year.

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