Kyiv, 11 March 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the Government of Ukraine, has announced the selection of Myrchanska Gymnasium in Kyiv Oblast as the pilot site for the “New Ukrainian School” modernization initiative. For 76 students and 18 teachers, this reconstruction means a safe, modern, and inclusive place to learn and grow.

Myrchanska Gymnasium was severely damaged by hostilities in March 2022. Heavy military equipment damaged the fence, the school’s facade was riddled with bullet holes, windows were shattered, doors were broken down, and the roof was damaged. A month later, teachers and students returned to find classrooms in disarray and even discovered an explosive ordnance (EO) hidden among the books in the library. Eight more EOs were left between the school and kindergarten buildings. 

Despite emergency repairs, such as the replacement of the roof and windows, and demining, comprehensive restoration efforts are still needed. With help from the AECID, this school will be transformed into a model of resilience, inclusivity, and energy efficiency. As part of the “Re-Envisioning Educational Facilities in Ukraine” project, it will undergo extensive modernization to provide a safe, adaptive, and future-ready learning environment.

Oksen Lisovyi, Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, highlighted the importance of the pilot school project as a new benchmark for the reconstruction of general secondary education institutions in Ukraine. “The full-scale invasion has caused substantial damage to Ukraine’s education system, but our priority remains unchanged—to ensure every child has access to a safe and modern learning environment. We recognise that children must have access to quality education and, with support from our partners, we are making important strides towards achieving this goal.”

The renovations will feature energy efficiency enhancements, including facade, floor, and roof insulation, as well as modernized heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electricity systems to ensure sustainability and cost efficiency; a student-centred environment, with new adaptive furniture, transparent doors to promote openness, and interior colorization principles designed for different age groups; full accessibility compliance with ramps, lifts, and inclusive sanitary facilities; and outdoor improvements such as the renovation of a basketball court, new pavement, and landscaped green areas

D. Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, Ambassador of Spain to Ukraine, emphasized Spain’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, particularly in the education sector. “Supporting the modernization of the Ukrainian education infrastructure is an investment in the country’s future. By applying the ‘Build Back Better’ approach, we are not just repairing schools, we are transforming them into safe and inspiring spaces where young talents can thrive,” he said.

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, underlined the project’s vital role in strengthening community resilience and fostering social cohesion, saying, “Schools are the heart of communities, bringing people together and forging a sense of belonging. Rebuilding Myrchanska Gymnasium is not only about restoring a building; it is about revitalizing the community, ensuring that children, teachers, and families have a modern and supportive environment in which to grow.”

The significance of Myrchanska Gymnasium extends beyond the village itself. Children from seven nearby villages also rely on this school for their education, making it a vital hub for the entire region. For these students and their families, the reconstruction of the school will demonstrate that the area is secure and ensure quality education amid the challenges of war and further post-war recovery.

As the next step in the project, UNDP and its partners will organize public consultations with students, teachers, and parents to align the reconstruction process with their needs and aspirations. The reconstruction work is set to commence in the first half of 2025, with completion expected by early 2026.

Background

The “Re-Envisioning Educational Facilities in Ukraine” project, implemented by UNDP in partnership with the AECID, focuses on rehabilitating eight war-affected schools in Ukraine. The total budget of the initiative is €4 million, with repair work designed to integrate energy efficiency measures, modern learning environments, and current accessibility standards. The restoration of Myrchanska Gymnasium as the first pilot school underscores Ukraine’s dedication to shaping a future-ready education system aligned with EU principles.

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