ODESA, 23 April 2026 – A crowdfunding campaign launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the City of Yokohama in Japan has successfully raised funds to equip Kindergarten No. 141 in Odesa with a new, modern playground, providing children with a safe place to play.

The kindergarten remained closed for more than two years after a 2023 missile blast damaged several buildings and the playground, disrupting access to early education and safe play spaces for children in the area. In September 2025, the kindergarten reopened following the restoration of two buildings led by UNDP, with financial support from the Government of Japan.

The crowdfunding campaign, conducted from 5 August to 30 September 2025, primarily among residents of Japan, complemented the restoration of the kindergarten by raising funds for new outdoor playground equipment. The campaign mobilized 294 contributors and raised JPY 3,365,000 Japanese yen (approximately US$22,000), exceeding its initial target of JPY 3 million.

Thanks to this support, 25 units of colourful playground equipment — including swings, carousels, and play complexes — have been installed, creating a safe and secure outdoor space for children to play.   

Olha Bohdanova, Director of Kindergarten No. 141, emphasized that the new playground is not only a place for children to play, but also to grow and learn: “We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the installation of the new playground equipment, especially our partners and donors from Japan,” she said. “The new equipment allows children to play and socialize safely — an essential part of early development.”

Acting Head of Odesa City Council Ihor Koval stressed the importance of maintaining normalcy: “As Odesa continues to face regular attacks and disruption to everyday life, ensuring that children have access to safe and well-equipped spaces remains a priority,” he said. “We thank UNDP, our Japanese partners, and all contributors for their support — it makes a real difference for Odesa families.”

The campaign also highlighted a strong people-to-people connection between Japan and Ukraine. Many contributors shared messages wishing for the children’s safety and happiness, as well as hopes for peace in Ukraine. 

Takeharu Yamanaka, Mayor of Yokohama, emphasized this connection, noting, “Building on the trust established through 60 years of our sister-city relationship, we worked closely with UNDP and local communities to provide this support. We are truly pleased to hear that children’s smiles have returned.

We believe that the accumulation of such efforts sends a strong message to the international community about the importance of continuing support for Ukraine. We hope that children living under difficult circumstances can regain safe spaces where they can play and spend time with peace of mind.”

Auke Lootsma, Resident Representative of UNDP in Ukraine, underscored the significance of the initiative: “This marks one of UNDP Ukraine’s first crowdfunding initiatives, opening a new channel for global participation in recovery. By enabling people in Japan to contribute directly to Ukraine’s recovery, we are demonstrating how public engagement can amplify institutional efforts and translate solidarity into tangible, community-level impacts."

Background:

The City of Yokohama, Odesa’s sister city since 1965, has a long-standing partnership rooted in their shared experience as port cities rebuilding after war. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in early 2022, Yokohama has mobilised humanitarian assistance, fundraising efforts, and support for displaced Ukrainians, while expanding cooperation with Odesa through technical exchanges and recovery initiatives.

In 2024, Yokohama and UNDP formalized their collaboration to support recovery in Odesa, with the restoration of Kindergarten No. 141 being their first joint project under this partnership.

Media enquiries: 

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