Another safe location for training opened in Kharkiv

The location was created with the support of international partners from UNHCR, who funded the overhaul of the shelter and its equipment and furniture. This is the tenth safe educational space in Kharkiv that will operate in a blended learning format.  

The total area of the premises is 389 square metres. There are four classrooms, a first-aid post, bathrooms, and a lounge. The educational process will take place in two shifts. In total, 345 schoolchildren and 45 vocational students will study in the new location, which was built in accordance with all requirements and standards.  

According to Igor Terekhov, the construction of safe educational spaces is underway in different districts of the city.

‘On weekends, this space will be used to adapt preschoolers to the educational process. Several more such underground schools are currently under construction in Kharkiv. For example, we plan to open a large school in a few months in the Shevchenkivskyi district. We are also building an educational institution in Zhyhora - there is a smaller number of children there, but it is important that they do not have to travel long distances to the metro. A large underground school will also be built in Saltovsky district. The main thing is that schoolchildren will be able to study full-time. This is especially important for 11th grade students. We saw how parents were initially hesitant about studying in the metro, but later there were no vacancies. The same is true here - there is a great demand and not enough places,’ the mayor said. 

Ihor Terekhov also emphasised the need to restore the housing stock and attract international assistance for the reconstruction of damaged buildings.

‘At the same time, in addition to the educational infrastructure, we need to rebuild housing. This is one of the main problems in Kharkiv today. We are engaging international partners, including the governments of Switzerland and other countries, to help rebuild residential buildings. We have already allocated €47 million for the necessary equipment, and the work is ongoing,’ the mayor said. 

Federico Sersale thanked the city authorities for their initiative to create safe spaces for children to learn. He noted that the organisation will continue to support Kharkiv, as the issue of education in times of war remains critical.

‘We understand that children need to study in safe conditions. And although underground schools are not the best option, it is necessary now. Our agency has supported this project and will continue to help the city. We have an office in Kharkiv, so we provide a humanitarian response, helping internally displaced people affected by the war, including children. We will be here in the future,’ said Federico Sersale.