The Ukrainian government has approved a substantial subsidy of UAH 5 billion to build and improve shelters in schools and vocational and technical education institutions located in front-line and border regions near Russia. This initiative aims to bolster the safety of students and educators in areas most at risk due to ongoing conflict.
The funds will be allocated to 77 educational institutions across eight regions. Specifically, 24 shelters will be constructed in vocational and technical education institutions, while 53 shelters will be established in schools.
The selection process for these institutions was meticulous, focusing on several critical factors: the risk level of the community, the number of students enrolled (with a threshold of 200 students, except in communities without any existing shelters), the potential for accommodating students from other schools, and the feasibility of organizing shift-based learning.
Particular attention was given to schools currently operating entirely online due to the lack of safe shelters. To qualify for the funding, institutions were required to submit project and estimate documentation and apply through the DREAM digital platform.
This strategic approach, coupled with close cooperation with regional authorities, ensures that the most urgent needs are prioritized. The Ministry of Education and Science is optimistic that this funding will significantly enhance the safety infrastructure in these areas, potentially enabling more children to return to in-person learning.
In addition to the UAH 5 billion allocation for shelters, the government has also set aside an extra UAH 216 million for purchasing buses to transport students to schools equipped with adequate shelters, further supporting the "School Offline" policy's infrastructure component.
