Ukraine Builds 15 Underground Schools in Frontline Regions

In the frontline regions, 15 educational spaces for schoolchildren have been built, and more than 180 underground facilities are planned to be commissioned by the end of the year.

This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during the conference “Education of a New Ukraine,” CE Report quotes Ukrinform.

“Children, their safety, interests and needs should be at the center of all changes. Over two years, the government has allocated about UAH 14 billion for the repair and construction of shelters in schools. We have already built 15 underground school spaces in the frontline regions and plan to commission more than 180 such underground facilities by the end of the year. Currently, 80% of all Ukrainian schools have various types of shelters. The state has allocated another UAH 2.8 billion to purchase school buses,” he wrote.

Shmyhal also spoke about other goals and priorities of the government in the education sector. He noted that first of all, it is necessary to prepare children for the challenges of the 21st century. It is about the ability to navigate the information space, learn and relearn throughout life, be able to think critically, ask complex questions and find answers to them.

Competitiveness in the labor market is also a priority.

“The task of the school is to identify the child's talents and motivate them to develop and improve. The task of vocational education and higher education is to train a specialist and lay the foundation for the well-being of every Ukrainian family,” the Prime Minister said.

At the same time, the government is forming a digital educational ecosystem. According to him, the Mriya app is already available to thousands of Ukrainian schools. In addition, the government continues to reform the New Ukrainian School.

“Over the past two years, UAH 3.4 billion in subventions have been allocated and almost UAH 500 million more for equipment for high schools,” he said.

Shmyhal spoke separately about vocational schools. He noted that the state has allocated UAH 1 billion to these educational institutions.

“Thanks to vocational education, children get a profession and quickly enter the labor market. We are planning to introduce a mechanism for financing dual education - grants from the state and communities for training at enterprises,” he added.

At the same time, Ukraine is working to integrate its universities into the European space, offering students a wide range of educational paths and guaranteeing the autonomy of higher education institutions.

“Among the latest innovations are state grants for contract students. About 13,000 students have already received them,” the Prime Minister said.

As reported, 76 underground schools are planned to be built in five frontline regions of Ukraine.