In November 2024, senior EU officials visited educational institutions in the Kyiv region affected by the large-scale war in Ukraine. This was done to raise awareness among Ukrainians of the EU’s support for the development and security of education in a country in crisis. The kindergarten in Bucha and the lyceum in Irpin became symbols of the joint efforts of the European Union, international organisations and communities to create a modern learning environment.
The visit took place as part of the Together We Learn and Grow communication campaign.
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Rebuilding and modernising educational institutions
Thanks to EU efforts, the Prolisok kindergarten in Bucha and Lyceum No. 3 in Irpin have been restored and their premises equipped with modern shelters. These measures are implemented through projects of the European Commission’s External Action Service and the European Commission’s Directorate for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) in cooperation with UNICEF, demonstrating the importance of synergies between international and local efforts in rebuilding the regions.
— I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to visit a kindergarten in Bucha and a lyceum in Irpin, which are just two examples of the European Union’s support for education. This visit is also part of the EU’s communication campaign to support education and youth in Ukraine. But it is not just about supporting education; it is about helping communities to recover and rebuild. Through the European Commission’s Foreign Policy Instruments Service (FPI) and the EU Department of Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), the EU is working with UNICEF Ukraine and local communities to create safe and modern learning environments. They repair classrooms and build shelters to protect children and teachers during the ongoing Russian attacks. Even in the most difficult times, we stand together. Together, we learn and grow, and we will safeguard the future of Ukraine — Ukraine at the heart of Europe.
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Supporting the education sector: resources and projects
Since the outbreak of the war, the EU has allocated more than €100 million to Ukraine to restore safe conditions in educational institutions. The funding has been used to reconstruct schools, build shelters, provide psychological support to students and teachers, and conduct mine safety campaigns. As of September 2024, the reconstruction has covered 20 facilities in 11 regions, with another 80 facilities to be restored by the end of the second phase.
– The interruption of the educational process for school-age children and preschoolers in Ukraine has had a devastating impact on their learning and all-round development. Rebuilding schools and kindergartens as accessible, inclusive and safe places for children – with adequate shelter from air attacks – is essential to returning students to school where they can learn, play and connect with their peers. The support of the European Union through UNICEF plays a vital role in realising the right to education for every child and developing Ukraine’s human capital.
In addition, the U-LEAD with Europe project and EU4Resilient Regions aim to rebuild schools and help strengthen local communities. These initiatives are supported by GIZ and are aimed at developing the resilience of war-affected regions.
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Ensuring safety and inclusiveness
In addition to restoring buildings, considerable attention is paid to ensuring the safety of children and teachers. The creation of modern school shelters, mine safety training and digital learning centres are just some of the projects that contribute to the stable functioning of the education sector. More than 16,000 students and teachers have already received mine safety training, and 42,000 schoolchildren have received psychological assistance.
Rebuilding Ukraine’s educational infrastructure in times of war is a key task that the European Union and its international partners have joined in. The creation of a safe and inclusive environment for children demonstrates the importance of global support in securing the future of the Ukrainian generation. The “Learning and Growing Together” campaign underlines the EU’s commitment to support Ukrainian communities in their quest for peace and prosperity.
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