Since the escalation of the war in February 2022, over 1,300 educational facilities in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed. Two years ago, Nizhyn Gymnasium No. 14 in Chernihiv region sustained significant damage from a blast wave, leaving its windows shattered and its roof and facade compromised. While the school administration considered transitioning to remote learning, the gymnasium remained dedicated to in-person education despite frequent air raid alarms, power outages, and water supply disruptions. Today, the gymnasium operates in a relatively calm environment compared to other regions. The school Director Tetyana expressed her deep gratitude to Acted for supporting the school’s reconstruction through via the CDCS-funded and “RestoreEdu” project.
Conducting an interview with Tatyana at Nizhyn Gymnasium No. 14, 25 September 2024, Nizhyn, Chernihiv region, Ukraine
In the project “RestoreEdu”, Acted has undertaken significant efforts to reconstruct, renovate and equipp schools across Chernihiv region, paving the way for the safe return of on-campus learning. As of December 2024, Acted has completed non-structural repairs in 21 schools, structural repairs are ongoing at 4 institutions and WASH repairs are completed in 7 schools. Acted’s ongoing collaboration with local authorities and continuous assessments ensure that emerging needs are promptly addressed, extending critical support to schools like Gymnasium No. 14.
Restoring Hope and Ensuring Safety
Thanks to Acted’s targeted intervention, the gymnasium has undergone a profound transformation. The renovation project, funded by the Crisis and Support Centre, addressed urgent infrastructure needs. The school’s bomb shelter, which was previously unsuitable for use, was upgraded to meet modern safety standards, including the installation of ventilation systems, internal toilets, and reinforced flooring. Structural repairs are currently underway: the facade is being insulated, and work is in progress on repairing the windows, catering unit, ventilation system, power supply, and heating. Non Structural repairs included replacing light fixtures, heating radiators, and installing emergency lighting fixtures. The gymnasium was also given new furniture, including tables for children of vulnerable groups, laptops and tablets for learning, power banks, projector and etc.
Director of the gymnasium Tetyana conveyed deep appreciation for the renovations, emphasizing the positive effect they have had on the school community. “The improvements have not only enhanced our safety but have also brought a sense of hope and normalcy,” she noted.
Looking ahead, the school is preparing to utilize new technological kitchen equipment provided through the project, enabling on-site meal preparation and expanding its food program. With its renewed infrastructure and growing community pride, Nizhyn Gymnasium No. 14 is emerging as one of the most exemplary schools in the region — a beacon of resilience and determination for the future.
Tetyana Volodymyrivna: A Story of Resilience and Transformation
Tetyana is a dedicated educator from Nizhyn, where she not only grew up but also studied at Nizhyn Gymnasium No. 14. With 30 years of experience in the education system, she began her career as a pedagogical organizer and gradually worked her way up to various roles, including teacher and deputy principal for educational work. For the past 9 years, Tetyana has been serving as the principal of the same school.
Tetyana emphasised that many of the conflict-related difficulties faced by the students and the administration are psychological in nature, as “all these difficulties can be endured, but there are times when you are deeply concerned about the children and their safety.” The year 2022 was particularly challenging for Nizhyn Gymnasium No. 14, with air raid sirens lasting 6-8 hours and almost no electricity for 2-3 months. The youngest students demonstrated remarkable resilience during that time— they engaged in uplifting activities such as singing patriotic songs and creating drawings.
Renovating bomb shelters has not only improved safety but has also restored permanent access to in-person education, offering a sense of normalcy to children in these turbulent times. The work has been approached with inclusivity and sustainability in mind, ensuring no child is left behind in the pursuit of a secure learning environment. Tetyana shares, “In conversations with our children and parents who have gone abroad, the vast majority of them are already eager to return.”
Looking ahead, the Director remains optimistic about the future of the school and her students. The renovations and improvements have already begun to transform the learning environment, making it more conducive to education. She is confident that, with continued support, the school will be able to provide a high-quality educational experience for its students, fostering resilience and hope for the future, even in the face of adversity.
Aсted’s initiatives funded by the Centre de crise et de soutien (CDCS) of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Europe has been a crucial lifeline for Tetyana and her gymnasium in Nizhyn. This support enabled the school to address urgent safety needs, including renovating bomb shelters and equipping them with essential materials. It also provided the necessary resources to enhance emergency preparedness among students and staff, fostering a sense of security amidst ongoing challenges.
For the gymnasium administration, this funding has been transformative, allowing them to focus on ensuring the well-being and education of their students even in the most difficult circumstances. The improvements have not only made the school a safer space but have also strengthened the morale of the entire community. Students now have access to secure in-person education, while parents feel reassured about their children’s safety during school hours.