Kyiv, 25 October 2024 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with financial support from the Government of Germany, will renovate 11 schools in Kirovohrad, Lviv, Poltava, Khmelnytskyi and Cherkasy oblasts. The “Repair of Schools in War-Affected Areas” project also includes furnishing: educational facilities will receive new blackboards, desks, chairs and bookcases.

The planned repairs include restoration of premises damaged due to the hostilities and replacement of systems that have malfunctioned. Special attention will be paid to compliance with principles of energy efficiency and sustainable development. The modernization will also include decoration, as the learning environment should be conducive for both students and teachers.

Martin Jäger, German Ambassador to Ukraine, stressed the importance of supporting the rebuilding of Ukrainian schools as a key element of the overall national recovery strategy. “It will soon be three years since the start of the full-scale invasion, and throughout this period, the Government of Germany has stood by Ukraine’s side, providing comprehensive assistance. Restoration of educational infrastructure is an investment in the future of the Ukrainian education system and the development of a new generation of progressive Ukrainians who can rebuild the country and make it stronger,” he said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the value of strengthening the capacity of communities. “The return of students and teachers to their schools means that communities are successfully building their own resilience, including in the education sector. Resumption of the educational process in modernized classrooms not only symbolizes progress, but also gives hope for a better future. At the same time, we at UNDP understand that there is still much to be done to ensure that every Ukrainian student has safe and free access to in-person learning,” he stated.

Background

According to the Third Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3), 13 percent of Ukraine’s educational infrastructure has been damaged by the hostilities, including approximately 4,000 educational facilities. 

UNDP in Ukraine, together with its development partners, is systematically working to restore war-affected educational institutions. In particular, with support from the European Union as part of the “EU4UASchools: Build Back Better” project, UNDP has rebuilt 42 schools and re-equipped 109 more in 10 oblasts of Ukraine.

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