Dnipro, Ukraine, 7 August 2026 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Korea have completed restoration work at the Zorianyi Educational and Rehabilitation Centre and the Dnipropetrovsk Professional College of Sports under the global REVIVE initiative. Guided by its Area-Based Recovery approach, UNDP and its partners are implementing integrated initiatives thatfocus on restoring damaged youth infrastructure, including educational facilities,and ensuring uninterrupted access to education.

In spring 2025, a drone attack damaged the sports grounds of the Zorianyi Educational and Rehabilitation Centre, where children with hearing, speech and physical disabilities, as well as children with autism spectrum disorders, study. To provide them with comfortable conditions for learning and development, UNDP and the Government of the Republic of Korea restored the damaged areas of the school grounds. The works included replacing the asphalt surface, rebuilding the children’s playground and sports grounds, and equipping them with play and fitness equipment. The total cost of the work amounted to US$391,700.

The Dnipropetrovsk Professional College of Sports, which trains future generations of Ukrainian athletes, was also damaged in a missile strike in 2024 but continued to operate. Its restoration was co-financed by the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration and UNDP, with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea. UNDP renovated parts of the student residence to improve living conditions for young people. The work included repairing the floors and ceilings and refurbishing the shelter. The total value of the UNDP-supported renovation amounted to US$255,600.

Oleksandr Hanzha, the Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast State Administration, stressed that children and young people represent the future, and that ensuring their safety, development, education and well-being remains a priority despite the challenges of the war. “Even under these exceptionally challenging circumstances, we are creating new opportunities for them,” he said. “I would like to thank our partners for their support. Together, we are stronger.”

Park Kichang, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Ukraine, said the Republic of Korea remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s recovery. “Ensuring uninterrupted access to education for children and young people is an unquestionable priority when rebuilding communities,” he said. “We believe that, despite the war, Ukrainian young people should not lose the opportunity to study in their own country. Together with UNDP, we are working to make education in Ukraine as accessible and supportive as possible.”

Auke Lootsma, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, said UNDP’s Area-Based Recovery approach is based on the real needs of communities, with education among its key priorities. “When young people choose to stay in their communities and continue their education in Ukraine, it is the clearest indication that our efforts are delivering results,” he said. “Recovery is about more than repairing buildings. It is investment in human capital and in the country’s future. Skilled professionals who gain an education, develop their expertise and choose to remain and work in Ukraine will be the driving force behind the country's recovery.”

Background

The REVIVE initiative, implemented in Ukraine with a budget of US$14 million, supports the restoration of critical infrastructure and helps ensure access to quality education, administrative, health care and social services in communities across Dnipropetrovsk and Kharkiv oblasts. By restoring key public facilities, the initiative helps communities maintain essential services, strengthen their resilience and create conditions that encourage people displaced by the war to return home.

Media enquiries:

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