Three years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, the education system continues to endure repeated attacks and prolonged insecurity. In Chernihiv – a northern city regularly targeted by missiles and drones – school communities are striving to persevere. Through the RestoreEdu project, funded by the Centre de crise et de soutien (CDCS) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by Acted, schools like Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 34 are being revitalised with structural repairs and essential equipment to restore in-person learning. Viktoriia Mykhailivna, principal of the gymnasium, shares how this support is helping her team and students regain a sense of normalcy.
Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 34 after the structural repair Chernihiv (13th June 2025, Chernihiv)
In the project RestoreEdu, Acted has undertaken significant efforts to reconstruct, renovate, and equip schools across Chernihivska and Kharkivska oblasts, paving the way for the safe return of more than 31,000 pupils to improved education facilities. Acted reached a total of 61 schools, with structural repairs ongoing at 6 facilities and WASH infrastructure improvements underway in multiple locations. In addition to repairs, schools receive educational equipment and essential resources to strengthen learning conditions. One such school is Gymnasium No. 34 in Chernihiv, which has undergone full rehabilitation after a missile strike.
Rebuilding a School, Restoring a Future
Viktoriia Mykhailivna, the principal of Gymnasium No. 34 in Chernihiv, remembers life before the war as peaceful and secure.
We lived without fear, without sirens. But since the invasion, we live in constant anxiety.
The war left a mark not only on everyday lives but on the school building as well – the roof was damaged, windows shattered, and the faсade scarred by explosions. But the effects on the education process and children`s potential were even deeper.
The war has stolen our children’s childhood. They should be playing and studying, but instead they are hiding in shelters, learning to identify the sounds of different missiles.
Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 34 after the structural repair Chernihiv (13th June 2025, Chernihiv)
Despite these hardships, Viktoriia notes that “Acted’s support changed everything.” Thanks to the RestoreEdu project:
- the school’s heating and lighting systems were upgraded
- the facade was insulated, and the schoolyard renovated
- a girls’ hygiene room, accessible bathroom, ramp, and lift for children with limited mobility were built
- shelters for younger pupils and the sports hall were restored
- the school received new desks, cabinets, laptops, interactive boards, printers and other necessary equipment for effective learning.
Acted’s support has transformed the school into a safe and comfortable place for learning. These improvements allow the school to operate consistently, even in challenging circumstances, to welcome all students – including those with special needs – and to integrate modern equipment into the educational process. As a result, children can learn in an inclusive, well-equipped environment that fosters their development, provides a sense of support, and helps them look to the future with confidence.
Gymnasium No. 34 is just one of many schools in Ukraine showing remarkable strength in the face of war. Through the RestoreEdu project, Acted is ensuring that children not only return to classrooms, but do so in spaces that are safer, more inclusive, and more supportive.
For Viktoriia, the hope comes not only from the rebuilt school, but from the people who fill it.
Compared to 2022, our students are much more resilient. They know how to act during air raids. They support each other. Their strength gives us hope.
Acted’s initiatives under the RestoreEdu project, funded by the the Centre de crise et de soutien (CDCS) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Europe, have provided essential support to Viktoriia and her team at Gymnasium No. 34 in Chernihiv. This assistance has helped the school improve safety through shelter renovations and the supply of necessary equipment, as well as enhance the learning environment with modern educational tools and upgraded facilities.
For the school administration, this support has been highly valuable, enabling them to continue focusing on the well-being and education of their students despite the challenges of wartime. The improvements have made the school a safer and more inclusive space, boosted community morale, and allowed students to benefit from secure in-person learning.