Denmark and UNOPS facilitate access to safer education in Ukraine’s frontline Mykolaiv region

A formal handover ceremony marking the completion of works took place today at Kalynivka Lyceum, bringing together regional and local authorities, distinguished representatives of the Kingdom of Denmark in Ukraine, UNOPS, Kalynivka Lyceum administration and representatives of the student body.

The newly constructed shelter is a dual-purpose civil protection facility designed to protect students and staff during air-raids as well as in other emergencies, including from radioactive contamination. It accommodates up to 175 people simultaneously and is designed for continuous stay for 48 hours. 

“Over the last few years, Denmark has built dozens of shelters in schools, kindergartens and other public buildings across the region of Mykolaiv. Today in Kalynivka, however, we are opening something special, as this is a fully equipped anti-radiation shelter compliant and fit for both war and peace time. We are very happy to hand over this great piece of engineering to the authorities in Kalynivka. Denmark’s support to Mykolaiv city and region is unwavering”, said Thomas Lund-Sørensen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Denmark to Ukraine. 

“Opening modern shelters such as this one allows to ensure the safety of children and their return to in-person learning even in frontline areas. We are grateful to our international partners for their systemic support of the Mykolaiv region and for the continued work to ensure that education in the region remains accessible and protected under any circumstances”, said Vitalii Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv Regional Administration.

“Every restored school and every newly built shelter in Ukraine is an investment not only in recovery, but in the future of communities affected by the war. Safe access to in-person learning gives children stability, supports their well-being, and helps families regain confidence in everyday life. We are grateful to the Government of Denmark for its continued partnership and commitment to supporting the people of the Mykolaiv region”, said Massimo Diana, Director of the UNOPS Multi-Country Office for Ukraine and East Europe.

The shelter in Kalynivka is part of the broader and ongoing Restoring Communities and Social Infrastructure project implemented by UNOPS in Mykolaiv and the surrounding region with funding from the Government of Denmark. This $17.4 million project aims to improve living conditions and increase access to offline learning for children in Mykolaiv and the surrounding region. It includes repairs of residential neighbourhoods, stabilising a historical school building in downtown Mykolaiv, and constructing underground shelters for schools. The project aligns with Denmark’s Ukraine Transition Programme, the Mykolaiv Development Strategy until 2027 and the Mykolaiv Region Development Strategy until 2027.

About UNOPS:

UNOPS offers practical solutions across peace and security, humanitarian, and development operations. We help the United Nations, governments, and other partners, such as the European Union and its Member States, to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement across the world. 

Read more: www.unops.org 

The UNOPS Ukraine and East Europe Multi-Country Office works with a broad range of partners to provide urgent aid, strengthen resilience, and support sustainable development in Ukraine, Moldova, and Poland. 

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For further information and media inquiries, please contact:

Mykhailo Turianytsia, Communications Officer, UNOPS Ukraine and East Europe
Email: mykhailot@unops.org