In Kyiv region, a preschool education centre that once welcomed over 80 children every day, was silenced by war. It was a vibrant space where 15 dedicated staff members nurtured young minds through play and learning.

But on 2 March 2022, everything changed in an instant – a missile struck just five metres from the building. The powerful blast damaged the facade, part of the roof, windows, doors, and the heating system. Classrooms, the music and sports halls, furniture, and the building’s exterior were all affected. The damage was so extensive that repairing the facility using only local resources or state funding was nearly impossible. The cost of repairs was simply too high, leaving the community’s youngest learners without a safe space to gather and grow.

Despite the destruction and disruption to so many lives, hope was not lost. Repair works for this education centre was included in one of the assistance packages under the School Repairs in Ukraine project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS.

UNOPS engineers assessed the site and coordinated with contractors to begin repairs in 2024. Renovations included a full restoration of the facade and roof, new windows and doors, and a repaired heating system. Interior works revitalized the classrooms and recreational spaces, transforming the site into a welcoming, modern environment.

With both the exterior and interior renovations of the preschool now complete, the children have returned to a modern, safe and welcoming educational space.

"With the help of supportive activities, games, and learning, children begin to see today’s realities in a different light. No online class can ever replace real-life interaction - the emotions, warm hugs, and love they receive from their teachers," adds Oksana. 

“Educational institutions are the cornerstone of every community, and supporting their recovery is a meaningful responsibility we take very seriously,” explains Ezekiel Kamangulu, UNOPS Senior Project Manager.

“There lies significant work ahead, but our team remains committed to delivering support to all selected institutions swiftly and effectively in a very challenging environment," he adds.

“We could hardly express what we felt when the children stepped into the kindergarten for the first time after the repairs. We laughed and cried together with them,” says Oksana Petruk, Head of the Preschool Institution.

“Our team, the parents, and the children are all very happy with the changes. We sincerely thank UNOPS and the European Union for making it possible to return to a renewed kindergarten once again filled with children’s laughter and joy,” adds Oksana.

The Schools Repairs in Ukraine project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS, aims to repair educational facilities that have been damaged during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This $30 million initiative is being implemented in the regions of Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy and Kharkiv, focusing on schools requiring light to medium repair work.

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.