80% of educational institutions damaged by Russia: how modern school shelters are being set up in Chernihiv

Like many other cities in Ukraine, Chernihiv bears deep scars from the war, but the resilience of its community continues to overcome challenges.

"As a result of the full-scale invasion and continuous shelling of Chernihiv, 80% of educational institutions, including schools, kindergartens, and vocational education facilities, were damaged to some extent. Some suffered direct hits and severe destruction, while others were affected by blast waves. Two schools were completely destroyed," - says Vasyl Bilohura, Head of the Education Department of Chernihiv City Council.

Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 32 joined the "DECIDE: RECONSTRUCTION" initiative. The DECIDE project allocated 2.4 million UAH for the shelter’s renovation, with an additional 400,000 UAH co-financed by the city budget. The 3,000-square-metre shelter now includes three separate rooms, including a digital education hub fully equipped with modern technology and furniture. The space comfortably accommodates 1,300 students.

"This space is very modern, making it easier to study and focus on lessons or simply relax. It genuinely feels like a place where you want to be. Even during an air raid alert, everything seems a little easier to endure," shares Year 9 student Mariia Proskurina.

How has the shelter changed, and what ideas did students propose as part of a mini-grant? Read more at: https://bit.ly/3OY2Ynz