PRESS RELEASE – With the support of CDCS, Acted is Reconstructing, Renovating and Equipping Schools in Chernihiv Oblast, Ukraine

Military action and occupation in parts northern, eastern and central areas of Chernihiv oblast during early 2022 resulted in widespread displacement and substantial damage to infrastructure across the region. Conflict-related damage continues to prevent the socio-economic recovery of Chernihiv oblast. This has negatively impacted access to key basic services, including the education sector. In Chernihiv oblast, 76 schools (around 19 percent of all schools) were damaged as a result of war; two were destroyed; and five have been permanently closed.  Communities in Chernihiv oblast face the additional task of adapting the education sector to operate safely and effectively in wartime conditions. This includes ensuring sufficient access to bomb shelters, ensuring access to transportation for pupils, and ensuring options for online and hybrid learning.

The donation of a school bus in Ripky hromada, supporting rural communities access in-person education.

Responding to the needs described above, Acted is implementing the RestoreEdu project in Chernihiv oblast, which aims to enhance access to in-person education and support to recovery of the education sector. In total it is expected that 26,299 students and 3,663 staff across 55 schools in Chernihiv oblast will benefit from the project’s activities. To achieve this, Acted is conducting:

• Non-structural repairs in 22 schools
• Structural repairs in 6 schools
• WASH rehabilitations in 10 schools
• Bomb shelter renovations in 31 schools
• The construction of a new bomb shelter in 1 school
• The donation of 5 school buses to local authorities
• The donation of essential equipment (including STEM equipment) in 30 schools.

Recognising the need to Build Back Better and the objectives set out in the Ukraine Recovery Plan, RestoreEdu aims to ensure that the recovery of the education sector in Chernihiv mainstreams inclusion and sustainability. As such, Acted’s repairs include the modernization of insulation systems, the installation of disability ramps, and the installation of triple-glazed windows. Similarly, Acted is donating STEM and IT equipment to support the modernization of educational facilities and ensure access to online learning where needed. As of June 2024, Acted has completed

• Bomb shelter renovations at 6 schools
• Non-structural repair works at 6 schools
• The donation of 33 Wi-Fi routers and 450 laptops to educational institutions
• The donation of 5 school buses

The replacement of doors at Chernihiv City School #27, which also benefitted from the replacement of heating radiators and arrangement of sanitary facility for women.

CONTACTS

Joseph TESSE, Deputy Country Director – Ukraine, joseph.tesse@acted.org

Maksym VIAKHIRIEV – RestoreEdu Project Manager – maksym.viakhiriev@acted.org