New shelters ensure safety for kindergarten children in Ukraine
Thousands of children across Ukraine can now feel secure while in kindergarten, thanks to a renovation project from UNICEF and the EU.
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More than 150 children living in the Kyivska region of Ukraine can now attend kindergarten in safety, after their shelter was renovated thanks to a nationwide project by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the European Union (EU).
Five-year-old Solomiya, from the village of Tarasivka, already has dreams of becoming a doctor – but for now, she is happy to enjoy her time in kindergarten, where she loves building blocks and drawing. However, due to frequent air raids in the area, she and the other children often need to take cover in the bomb shelter, sometimes multiple times a day.
Before the full-scale war broke out in Ukraine, this space was a forgotten basement, with mould growing on the walls and a lack of basic amenities such as flooring and proper ventilation.
Now, it is a child-friendly space, thanks to renovations undertaken by UNICEF, with the support of the EU. As part of the project, another 63 kindergartens are being repaired and reconstructed in the Kyivska, Zhytomyrska and Chernihivska regions.
Iryna, the director of Tarasivka’s kindergarten, feared for the worst during the initial six months of the war, when her doors were forced to close and scores of families fled. But, as children gradually returned to the area, UNICEF helped staff to build a safe space.
"With the help of UNICEF, we made good repairs, built toilets and playrooms, and installed furniture, strong ventilation and fireplaces. Now the floors and walls are in good condition and meet the standards and recommendations of the State Emergency Service. Children, parents and staff feel safe.”
The shelter is subdivided into zones for different age groups. Like others that have been renovated, it now boasts dedicated corners designed to nurture key skills in children aged two to six. These child-friendly spaces feature creative, natural, informative and educational elements, including tables, chairs, board games, bookshelves and a blackboard. Additionally, beds are provided for the youngest children to rest.
"It's especially challenging when the air alert sounds during naptime,” says Iryna. “The youngest children may be sleepy and unsure of how to react, but they must quickly get up. On the other hand, older children are faster and more accustomed to the routine.”
Teacher Svitlana works with a group of 24 children aged five to six. She says that some of them struggle during air raid alerts, requiring immediate reassurance and guidance. To help children cope with stress, a physical education teacher accompanies the children to the shelter, leading calming exercises and, if needed, breathing and meditation sessions.
Once settled in the shelter, children play educational games, and read poems and fairytales.
"We can sing songs, build blocks, or draw on the blackboard. I mean, we make the most of our time in the shelter.”
Six-year-old Melania understands the importance of a safe space. She cherishes her time in kindergarten, where she bonds with friends over puzzles, building blocks and drawing. She also loves learning numbers and dreams of becoming a police officer.
"In kindergarten, I have my best friends Zlata and Sofia. We bring toy dragons from home and play with them. I feel secure in the shelter.”
UNICEF, with support from the EU, is currently repairing and reconstructing child-friendly shelters at 63 kindergartens across the Kyivska, Zhytomyrska, and Chernihivska regions. In the Kyivska region alone, five kindergartens have already undergone renovation. Overall, within the scope of this initiative, shelters will be renovated in 19 kindergartens in the Kyivska region, 19 kindergartens in the Zhytomyrska region, and 25 kindergartens in the Chernihivska region.
The project includes the installation of ventilation, water and heat insulation, and lighting systems. Thanks to the contribution from the Kingdom of Belgium, sanitary conditions in these institutions have also been enhanced.
