Story of a School: Restoring Hope for Tomorrow

Thanks to vital support from the European Union and UNOPS, restoration efforts are breathing new life into the space — renewing hope and the promise of a safe, nurturing environment for young learners.

Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this preschool education center in Kyiv Oblast welcomed over 80 children every day. It was a place where young minds explored the world through learning, play, and connection with their peers. 15 dedicated staff members — for whom this was more than just a job but a true calling — ensured the children were safe, supported, and thriving.

But everything changed in an instant. On 2 March 2022, a missile struck just five meters 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.

This is what the center looked like in the immediate aftermath of the missile strike.

Fortunately, no one was injured, as neither children nor staff were present that day. However, 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.

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

“No matter the circumstances, it’s important for children to attend kindergarten and be part of a community. Here, they overcome challenges together, share joyful moments, and feel that they are not alone. 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,” comments Oksana Petruk, Head of the Preschool Institution.

Renovation of the education center started in 2024 — and today, it is fully repaired. The facade and roof have been completely restored, new windows and doors installed, and the heating system repaired. Interior renovations were also carried out, bringing the space back to life.

Today, all the children have returned to the center. Restoring educational facilities is about more than just fixing buildings — it’s about giving children their childhood back. It’s a reminder that even after the darkest times, light can return.

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

Inside, the building now looks bright and modern. According to the head of the center, parents are very happy that their children can finally return to in-person learning in a safe environment.

This repair not only provides a secure space for education but also renews the community’s hope for a brighter future.

“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.

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, Head of the Preschool Institution.

About the project

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. With a budget of  $30 million, it focuses on the regions of Chernihiv, Kyiv, Sumy, and Kharkiv, renovating schools requiring light to medium repair works.

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 70 schools, the project will help restore facilities to a safe and welcoming environment where children can continue their education without interruption.