Another 10 schools repaired in Ukraine with EU support — thousands of children to return to classrooms this autumn
Around 2,000 children in communities across Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts in Ukraine will return to in-person learning in safe and comfortable conditions this autumn. This was made possible through the “School Repairs in Ukraine” project, funded by the European Union through the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and implemented by UNOPS. Under the project, ten additional educational institutions — including schools, kindergartens, and vocational education institutions — have been fully restored after sustaining damage during the war.
To date, 44 educational facilities have been rehabilitated across Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy oblasts. In total, the project aims to renovate over 70 institutions by the end of 2025. The initiative is supported by a EUR 28 million budget.
According to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 3,524 educational institutions have been damaged since the start of the full-scale invasion, with 360 completely destroyed. Communities in Kyiv and Chernihiv oblasts that were occupied or heavily shelled suffered some of the most extensive damage.
“In-person learning plays a vital role in a child’s development — it provides not only education, but also stability, emotional support, and social interaction. This is why restoring access to educational facilities in Ukraine remains one of the key priorities of the European Union’s support to Ukraine. We are glad to work with UNOPS on this important effort — making sure children are protected when returning to schools,” said Marianna Franco, Head of the European Union Humanitarian Aid Office in Ukraine.
Each school underwent a technical assessment to identify the extent of the damage and the scope of required repairs. Restoration works included the replacement of windows and doors, roof repairs, façade insulation, and upgrades to heating systems, classrooms, sports halls, corridors, and restrooms.
Thanks to the upgraded infrastructure, thousands of children will be able to resume their studies in familiar and supportive environments. For many communities, this marks a meaningful step toward stability and the return of everyday life.
“We are deeply grateful to the European Union for its consistent support to restoring educational infrastructure. This support goes far beyond rebuilding physical structures — it is about restoring stability, predictability, and hope for thousands of families. It is about rebuilding lives and futures. Around 2,000 children will return to their desks this autumn — in repaired, modern, comfortable classrooms. For many communities, this is a powerful symbol of belief in a better future,” said Marysia Zapasnik, Director a.i., UNOPS Ukraine Multi-Country Office.
Notes to the editors:
Bona fide media are permitted to use photos stored in the folder for reporting on the project with the attribution © UNOPS/Yurii Veres
Press contact details:
Mykhailo Turianytsia, Communications Officer, mykhailot@unops.org
Alina Abramenko, Communications Associate, alinaa@unops.org
About UNOPS
UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org