Kyiv, 4 March 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, in collaboration with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), and the Government of Ukraine, after extensive repair work has reopened Myrcha Gymnasium in the community of Borodianka in Kyiv Oblast.

Seventy-three students have now returned to the modernized school, including four children from internally displaced families and five students with special educational needs. A safe, inclusive and energy-efficient learning environment has also been created for 24 teachers and staff members.

The gymnasium, which is located in the village of Myrcha, sustained severe damage in March 2022 as a result of hostilities. The facade and roof were damaged, windows and doors were shattered, and structural cracks were identified. Explosive ordnance was found on and around the school grounds. Following emergency stabilization works and demining operations, it became clear that the facility required comprehensive reconstruction.

Under the “Re-Envisioning Education Facilities in Ukraine: Rehabilitation and Repairs of War-Damaged Social Infrastructure” project, supported by Spain’s AECID, the building was fully modernized. Construction work began on 1 April 2025 and was completed in less than a year – in January 2026. The reconstruction followed the “Build Back Better” principle, with a focus on accessibility, energy efficiency and the creation of a modern learning environment. 

Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine said that the project was an example of high-quality recovery at the community level: “The restoration of social infrastructure is a key priority of Ukraine’s recovery policy,” Kuleba said. “We’re working to ensure that every reconstruction project adheres to principles of safety, energy efficiency and accessibility. Through the joint efforts of the government, international partners and the community, children are learning in safe and descent conditions even amid war.” 

The modernization included the thermal insulation of the facade, roof and floors, as well as upgrades to the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems. Classrooms were equipped with new ergonomic furniture, and open, well-lit learning spaces were created taking into account the age-specific needs of students. The facility is now fully accessible, with ramps and inclusive sanitary facilities installed. The school grounds were also improved, including the renovation of the basketball court, as well as the creation of green recreation areas. 

D. Ricardo López-Aranda Jagu, Ambassador of Spain to Ukraine, said that the renovation symbolizes Spain’s long-term support for Ukraine: “For Spain, it is important to stand with Ukraine not only politically and miltarily in words, but also in the reconstruction of social infrastructure  through tangible results,” López-Aranda Jagu said. “The reopening of this gymnasium is an example of how international cooperation transforms into meaningful change for the community. It marks an important step in restoring the region’s educational network and reaffirms that, even amid the challenges of war, communities can emerge stronger.”

Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, noted that the reconstruction of the school carries a broader social dimension: “When a school reopens its doors after reconstruction, it sends a signal of confidence and hope to the entire community,” Politis said. “Today, Myrcha Gymnasium is a space of safety, development and cohesion. We are proud that, in close coordination with our local partners and the Government of Spain, we were able to implement a comprehensive recovery approach, guided by the principles of sustainability and inclusion.”

Mykola Kalashnyk, Head of the Kyiv Regional State Administration, added: “Kyiv Oblast was among the first regions to suffer destruction as a result of the full-scale invasion, and today we’re consistently working to restore every affected community. The reopening of the Myrcha Gymnasium demonstrates that the region is recovering and continuing to develop. Education is the foundation of our resilience. By investing in modern and safe schools, we’re investing in the future of Kyiv Oblast and of Ukraine as a country.”

Iryna Zakharchenko, Acting Head of the Borodianka Settlement Council, noted that the restoration of the Myrcha Gymnasium was a landmark event for the community: “After the destruction we endured, the school has once again become a safe, modern and comfortable space for children and teachers. This is not only a matter of the reconstruction of a building, but of restoring the community’s sense of stability and confidence in the future. We sincerely thank our international partners and everyone who contributed to the implementation of this project.”

This gymnasium serves as an important educational hub not only for Myrcha, but also for children from seven surrounding villages. Beyond its educational role, the school also fulfils a significant community function, showcasing a modern learning concept through interactive spaces and inclusive design solutions. During the project preparation phase, the UNDP team conducted public consultations involving students, parents, teachers and representatives of the local authorities. The outcomes of these discussions informed design solutions, spatial zoning, and the selection of furniture.

Background:

The “Re-Envisioning Education Facilities in Ukraine: Rehabilitation and Repairs of War-Damaged Social Infrastructure” project is being implemented by UNDP in partnership with AECID and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. It involves the restoration of eight schools damaged by the war across four oblasts of Ukraine – Sumy, Lviv, Volyn and Kyiv. 

The total budget of the initiative is EUR 4 million. The work includes the introduction of energy-efficient solutions, the creation of modern learning environments, and the provision of full accessibility. 

Media enquiries:

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