With EU Support, the savED Charitable Foundation Launches a Project to Restore Safe Education Access in Mykolaiv and Sumy Regions
The European Union, through the savED Charitable Foundation, is launching an 18-month project aimed at restoring safe access to in-person learning for children in the communities across the Mykolaiv and Sumy regions. Running from the summer of 2026 through the end of 2027, the initiative combines the development of educational infrastructure with learning loss recovery programs.
The project employs a comprehensive approach to educational recovery in communities severely affected by the war. In Mykolaiv region, two Education Recovery Centers will be constructed, while in Sumy region, a shelter will be renovated and fully equipped, enabling the local school to resume in-person or blended learning in compliance with safety standards. Simultaneously, two cycles of learning loss recovery programs will be implemented in 2027 across the newly established educational spaces, the renovated shelter, and 40 schools in Mykolaiv region.
“The European Union is providing €2 million under the Ukraine Facility to support savED in restoring access to safe, high-quality, in-person education for children in frontline communities. As many children continue to face the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, including the destruction of schools and persistent security risks, it is essential to help ensure their right to quality education. This project reflects the European Union’s solidarity with Ukraine and our shared commitment to supporting Ukrainian children and strengthening the resilience of their communities,” said Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policies at the EU Delegation to Ukraine.
The catch-up program will cover Ukrainian language, mathematics, English, history of Ukraine, and primary school subjects. Children will study in small groups, with their progress evaluated through diagnostic tools and final monitoring assessments.
As a result of the project, communities will gain modern and safe educational infrastructure, enabling children to return to in-person or blended learning. The upgraded spaces and secure shelter will ensure the continuity of the educational process, even during air raid alerts.
The catch-up programs will help students address learning gaps, regain academic knowledge, and strengthen their socio-emotional skills. At the same time, collaboration with local educators will foster a sustainable support system for children that endures well beyond the project’s completion.
“It is a great honor and responsibility for us to sign an agreement with the European Commission to fund our educational recovery efforts in frontline communities, specifically under the Ukraine Facility program. I am proud that savED enjoys such trust from the European Commission and the EU Delegation to Ukraine in supporting Ukrainian education,” said Anna Novosad, co-founder of the savED Charitable Foundation.
The partnership between the European Union and savED serves as an example of a holistic approach to educational recovery in Ukraine. The project goes beyond building new infrastructure; it integrates safe learning spaces, teacher support, and systematic efforts to bridge learning gaps, ensuring children can not only return to school but also receive a high-quality education.
This initiative aligns with the priorities of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, as well as the recommendations of international partners regarding safe and uninterrupted access to education in war-affected communities. The project will help strengthen the resilience of local communities, create conditions for families to return, and mark another step toward rebuilding Ukraine's human capital.