The network of shelters is being expanded in the Dnipropetrovsk region as local authorities prepare for the upcoming academic year.
In Samar district, a new underground school shelter is being built, designed to accommodate more than 1,000 children. Oleksandr Hanzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration said Thursday, Aug. 27, that he had begun inspections of schools across the region, assessing their readiness for the beginning of classes on Sept. 1.
“We are expanding the network of shelters so that boys and girls can attend their regular classrooms,” Hanzha said, explaining that the new underground shelter will have a capacity five times greater than that of the existing one.
“It will also have enough space for students from a neighboring gymnasium,” he continued.
Schools ready for the new academic year
In Samar district, 63 schools are expected to operate either in person or in a hybrid format, while students at 10 other institutions will study remotely.
Hanzha said the schools are generally ready to begin classes, although several outstanding issues still require attention, particularly children’s meals, schools’ energy resilience, “and, above all,” Hanzha said, “the safety of the learning process.”
Local officials were instructed to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
During the inspections, Hanzha also visited other schools in the district.
One school received Hr. 4 million (approximately $89,855) from the regional budget to improve its energy efficiency.
Local authorities also discussed the government’s “School Starter Pack” program, under which families of children entering first grade can receive Hr. 5,000 (approximately $112.32) for essential school supplies.
Czech-funded school shelter opened in Nikopol
On July 1, Hanzha and the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ukraine, Luboš Veselý, opened a newly built shelter at a lyceum in the frontline community of Nikopol on July 1.
Before the shelter’s completion, students at the lyceum had to rely on remote learning, as the school previously lacked adequate protection during air raids and possible strikes.
Although the digitalization of education during the war has helped thousands of Ukrainian schoolchildren overcome learning loss, authorities are searching for ways to bring more children back to in-person classes so they do not miss out on direct contact with teachers and classmates, as well as the general school experience.