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Future of Ukraine

Lithuania Rebuilds Schools, Bringing Hope to Ukrainian Children

Lithuania Rebuilds Schools, Bringing Hope to Ukrainian Children

As the new school year begins, Ukrainian children are returning to classrooms and kindergartens rebuilt and restored through efforts of Lithuania. These initiatives are a beacon of hope, signifying the resilience and solidarity between the two nations amidst ongoing war against Ukraine.

One of the recent projects is the completion of a kindergarten reconstruction project in Borodianka. This facility, now ready to welcome around 120 children, is a testament to Lithuania’s commitment to the future of Ukraine. Meanwhile, in Snihurivka, a newly renovated school will soon reopen its doors, providing a stable learning environment for some 300 students in this Ukrainian town. These projects underscore Lithuania’s  role in restoring Ukraine’s infrastructure, particularly focusing on the needs of children and school-aged youth.

“Lithuania supports and encourages the reconstruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure, especially those that support children’s education,” said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Lithuania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation. She highlighted the recent opening of a renovated school in Borodianka and the kindergarten “Rūta” in Irpinė as key achievements. Armonaitė also pointed out that her ministry is backing initiatives to equip Ukrainian schoolchildren with computers, aiming to ease their education amid the ongoing war against Ukraine. We hope to facilitate the start of the school year for Ukrainian children facing the difficulties of the war,” she added.

One such initiative, titled “Let’s Turn on the Future: A Coalition of Devices for Ukrainian Children,” is set to provide around 250 computers to Ukrainian students. The Lithuanian Ministry of Economy and Innovation is contributing EUR 50,000 to this project, which has a total budget of EUR 150,000. This effort seeks to ensure that Ukrainian children have the necessary tools to continue their education, despite the disruptions caused by war.

The renovation of Snihurivka’s only school is another example of Lithuanian support. A Lithuanian company generously donated new windows, ensuring that the school is well-prepared to welcome its students back. This renovation, along with the provision of equipment for vocational training at the Snihurivka Vocational Lyceum, represents an investment of EUR 83,000.

Lithuania’s efforts extend beyond immediate reconstruction. The ongoing project, “School of the Future for Ukraine,” involves collaboration between Lithuanian, Ukrainian, and international architects to design new, state-of-the-art schools for Ukraine. The project has been allocated EUR 500,000, reflecting a long-term vision for the country’s educational infrastructure.

Moreover, EUR 2.7 million has been allocated for constructing a modular school-community center in the municipality of Shevchenko. This new facility will not only serve as an educational institution but also as a community hub, incorporating a shelter to provide additional security for students and residents.

These efforts are part of a broader initiative funded by Lithuania’s Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund, with projects implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPMA). Among the notable achievements is the reconstruction of the “Rūta” kindergarten in Irpinne, which reopened last year to accommodate 450 children and about 60 staff members after an extensive renovation costing EUR 4.6 million.

These reconstruction efforts are more than just buildings; they are a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring bond between nations united in the pursuit of peace in Ukraine.