Horodetske village, Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine, 2 September 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with support from the Government of Germany, has reopened Horodetska Gymnasium after comprehensive renovations. Ninety students from grades 1 to 9 are returning to bright, modern, and secure classrooms just in time for the first day of the new school year, thanks to the “Repair of Schools in War-Affected Areas” project.

The school was damaged in the very first days of the full-scale war: explosions shattered windows, destroyed the roof, and scattered shell fragments across the grounds. For nearly three years, pupils studied in a surviving wing of the primary school. This September, they returned to a building that meets modern standards of safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency.

The reconstruction covered nearly all facilities: classrooms, corridors, the atrium, the sports hall, and the kitchen. Accessibility was prioritised through the creation of an inclusive resource room. New doors were installed, and every classroom was refurbished with new lighting and furniture. Teachers, parents, and pupils were involved in shaping the design of the refurbished spaces.

Martin Jäger, German Ambassador to Ukraine, underlined that education is central to Ukraine’s recovery: “The first day of school is a symbol of hope for every child and every family,” Jäger said. “By helping to rebuild schools within the project, Germany stands with Ukrainian communities to ensure children can learn in safety and dignity, even during war. Every renovated classroom is an investment in Ukraine’s future.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, highlighted the importance of delivering practical results for communities: “Parents and children no longer have to choose between unsafe facilities or distance learning,” Lootsma said. “They now have a modern school in their own village. This project shows what recovery means in practice — turning damaged buildings into safe, welcoming spaces where children can grow and learn. By applying the Build Back Better principle, we made sure that Horodetska Gymnasium is upgraded with inclusive, future-proof solutions.”

Background:

According to the latest Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), over 3,400 educational institutions have sustained damage, limiting safe access to learning for millions of children.

Horodetska Gymnasium is one of 12 educational facilities across Ukraine being renovated with German support under the “Repair of Schools in War-Affected Areas” project. The initiative contributes to Ukraine’s recovery by safeguarding children’s right to education during wartime, while laying the foundation for a resilient, modernised education system.   

Media enquiries: 

Yuliia Samus, UNDP Ukraine Head of Communications; e-mail: yuliia.samus@undp.org