Safe offline education: with Sweden's support, shelters are being set up in schools and kindergartens

During the full-scale invasion, the education in Ukraine suffered significantly. Since February 2022, almost 3,500 kindergartens, schools, and other educational institutions have been damaged, with over 360 destroyed. Restoring the educational infrastructure requires substantial resources, which is why international partnerships play a crucial role. 

Recently, Sweden has contributed 6.5 million USD to bolster UNESCO’s Emergency Assistance Programme for Ukraine. This funding will support the restoration and rebuilding of the educational infrastructure, with a focus on shelters in kindergartens and schools. 

"Sweden's assistance to Ukraine is substantial and has already reached over 3 billion Swedish kronas since the new government took office. The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has reached out to the Swedish government for assistance in the education sector, and we are currently responding to this request," commented Johan Forssell, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade of Sweden. 

UNESCO’s ongoing education programs in Ukraine, in collaboration with Sweden and other partners, will support a comprehensive recovery of the education sector, including the following: 

• Restore damaged and destroyed infrastructure for kindergartens in prioritized regions;
• Provide water, sanitation, and hygiene in restored buildings;
• Build or enhance shelters while ensuring they meet the safety and winterization requirements;
• Support the creation of inclusive spaces and equip premises where students and teachers can access mental health and psychosocial support services and physical activity. 

"We are grateful to the government and people of Sweden for their assistance and support in education. A safe educational environment is the number one priority for the education right now. An open kindergarten is an investment in the future and a relief for parents. We will collaborate with UNESCO next year on this project for the fastest possible results," said Yevhen Kudriavets, the First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. 

As of the end of November, 1.9 million school students do not have access to regular in-person education and are learning remotely or in a blended mode. The lack of access to offline learning leads to learning losses and a decline in the quality of education, while the absence of quality shelters restricts children's access to preschool and school education. Shelters are crucial to help thousands of students return to offline classes and activities in kindergartens and schools.

Together with MoES, UNESCO works to support the priority of a safe return to face-to-face education. 

"It's extremely important for children to continue their education without prolonged interruptions and for preschools and schools to be safe. The contribution to UNESCO's Emergency Assistance Fund for their work in Ukraine will contribute to this goal," stated Lotta Edholm, the Swedish Minister of Education. 

Building new shelters and improving the existing ones is imperative for ensuring a safe, quality, equitable, and inclusive education environment and can ensure that more students return to schools safely. 

We are grateful to our partners for their support in restoring the educational process in Ukraine!