The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
New hope for a college in Ukraine
After significant war damage, the Katyuzhanka Vocational College in Kyiv region has reopened thanks to repairs by UNOPS and funded by the European Union. 450 students can now learn practical skills crucial for their future and Ukraine's recovery.
- Photos: © Yurii Veres, UNOPS
When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the village of Katyuzhanka in the Kyiv region was under occupation for 36 days. The Katyuzhanka Vocational College, a higher education institution operating since 1953, suffered severe damage.. Classrooms, laboratories and workshops were destroyed, and essential equipment was lost. For months, education was interrupted, and learning moved online. Yet, for vocational students training as chefs, tractor operators and drivers, virtual lessons could not replace practical in-person training.
The loss of the college affected not only students and teachers but also the wider community. For decades, the college had trained more than 25,000 professionals vital to Ukraine's economy, especially in the agro-industrial and service sectors. Its closure left a gap in the region's ability to rebuild essential skills.
With financial support from the European Union, the rehabilitation of Katyuzhanka Vocational College was included in the UNOPS-implemented ’School Repairs in Ukraine’ project. The $30 million initiative focuses on repairing educational facilities damaged by the conflict across the Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions.
UNOPS engineers and contractors assessed the extent of the damage and prioritized the renovation of classrooms most affected by fire. The project team ensured that the restored facilities met safety and accessibility standards, providing an inclusive learning environment in line with the UN's commitment to leave no one behind.
On 1 September 2025, the college reopened its doors to 450 students. In fully repaired classrooms and workshops, students once again have access to hands-on training and practical skills development.
"The restored college provides continuous education, retraining and skills development for members of the community, which is key to adapting to change and successfully rebuilding the country," said Ruslan Nedashkivskyi, Director of the Katyuzhanka Vocational College.
By restoring this educational space, UNOPS and the European Union helped ensure that students – and the community – can look toward the future with renewed confidence. The project strengthens Ukraine's education system, helps preserve local livelihoods, and supports national recovery efforts.
About the project
The primary objective of the project is to provide access to repaired school facilities which will increase the proportion of children receiving face-to-face education. By rehabilitating more than 75 schools, the project will help restore facilities to a safe and welcoming environment where children can continue their education without interruption.
Global Goal we are supporting through this initiative:
