Chernihiv, 27 June 2024 — The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine have launched an interactive safety room at the Chernihiv Educational and Rehabilitation Centre for blind children and children with visual impairments. Currently, 94 children are enrolled at the centre, which employs 76 staff members. It remains the sole institution in the Chernihiv Oblast dedicated to children with visual impairments.  

This initiative to create a safety room was led by the local “Urban Initiatives Agency” NGO, which received EU-funded support from UNDP under the small grants programme. The project cost exceeded EUR 46,000 (US$50,000).

The EU and UNDP aim to create a strong and inclusive support system for people with disabilities, which is crucial during the war and essential in the recovery process. This support system will not only assist people with disabilities, but also actively engage them in recovery efforts, ensuring that their voices are heard and valued.

The aim of this grant initiative is to teach children about fire, mine and road safety in the most accessible and engaging manner possible. To achieve this and make the learning experience possible, the safety room was equipped with furniture, appliances, and training equipment to teach children with visual impairments basic safety rules and emergency response techniques. Expanding the centre’s safety capabilities, the project also facilitated the installation of an alarm and notification system. 

Training sessions and lessons for children are already in full swing, involving not only the centre’s permanent specialists but also, representatives of local police units and emergency services. Both parents and children have given positive feedback, and attend the classes with enthusiasm.

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, stressed that the Russian Federation's war of aggression against Ukraine has exacerbated barriers to accessibility for adults and children with disabilities, thereby compromising their personal safety. “In collaboration with our partners, we are honoured to scale up local initiatives such as this safety room in Chernihiv, in order to establish uninterrupted and barrier-free access to education and services for children and youth across Ukraine,” Mr Schleuning said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, underscored that ensuring comprehensive access to education and training within communities is fundamental for Ukraine’s holistic recovery. “Our recovery efforts are guided by the principle of ‘building back better’, involving diverse groups of Ukrainian men and women,” Mr Cilliers said. “By investing in educational opportunities for youth and enhancing access to them, we are endeavouring to fully realise human potential, which is invaluable and essential for Ukraine’s recovery and development.”

Background

The safety room in Chernihiv was created as part of a grant initiative implemented by the “Urban Initiatives Agency” NGO with the assistance of UNDP in Ukraine and financial support from the European Union, provided in the framework of the “EU4Recovery – Empowering Communities in Ukraine” project. 

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