ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine, 4 October 2023 – The recently renovated 172.5-square meter air-raid shelter at the Zaporizhzhia Special General Education Boarding School 'Oriyentyr' stands ready to safeguard 180 students, marking a pivotal step in ensuring their safety amidst challenging times. The $120,900 restoration resulted from a collaboration between the European Union, the Zaporizhzhia Oblast Administration, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

Prioritizing student welfare, the shelter underwent extensive heating, electricity, and plumbing upgrades. It also features a state-of-the-art ventilation system, a kitchenette, and dedicated areas for medical assistance and children's needs. In a bid to boost accessibility, the shelter now features a caterpillar-track stair lift to aid individuals in wheelchairs and includes tactile navigation options with Braille signage. 

Stefan Schleuning, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine said: “The restoration of the bomb shelter at 'Oriyentyr' Boarding School is yet another testament to the EU's commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, particularly in a city under constant Russia`s missile attacks. By providing a secure environment for these students, the EU, alongside with our partners in the oblast administration and UNDP, is not only safeguarding their lives but also investing in Ukraine's future."

UNDP Resident Representative Jaco Cilliers said a commitment to inclusivity underpins this and every UNDP initiative. "As Ukraine grapples with a full-scale war, the necessity to cater to everyone, especially people with disabilities has never been more pressing,” he said. “This revamped shelter stands as a testament to our promise of ensuring protection for every Ukrainian child, including and especially those with disabilities.”

Yuriy Malashko, Head of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast Administration, expressed his gratitude to the EU and UNDP for renovating and equipping shelters for students, including those with disabilities. He said, "Our collaborative efforts not only ensure the safety of children and teachers but also provide an opportunity to continue the educational process even during air raids."

Media enquiries

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