Ukrainian schools to receive UAH 203.35 million from UNICEF to prepare for winter and modernise canteens

With the start of the winter period in Ukraine, especially in the context of military operations, the quality and continuity of the educational process is of paramount importance. The Ministry of Education and Science, together with international partners, is committed to creating comfortable and safe conditions for children to study in schools. In November 2024, UNICEF will allocate UAH 203.35 million to support 700 Ukrainian schools to prepare for the cold season and modernise school canteens to meet the needs of students in winter.

The aim of this initiative is to provide as many educational institutions as possible, particularly in communities where the hostilities have hampered the normal educational process, with resources for heating, insulation and infrastructure upgrades. The aim is to ensure the continuity of full-time education even during the difficult winter period.

Distribution of funding and areas of use

The funds will be distributed in such a way that the assistance will cover not only large cities, but also less developed settlements in each region, providing support to small communities. This way, schools will be able to address the most important issues related to winterisation, in particular:

• Heating and insulation: replacement of windows and doors to keep the heat in and reduce energy costs;
• Procurement, installation and repair of equipment: renovation or purchase of heat and power generators to ensure a stable supply of heat and light;
• Repair of utility networks: includes work on water, heating, electrical, ventilation and sewage systems to ensure the stable operation of these infrastructure components.

Modernisation of school canteens

It is separately envisaged that up to UAH 83 thousand of the total amount can be used to upgrade school canteens. This will allow for the necessary repairs, upgrade of kitchen equipment and improvement of the quality of food for students, which is important for maintaining their health and comfort.

According to the Ministry of Education and Science, this financial assistance is a one-off, and the funds will be transferred to school accounts at the end of November 2024. This initiative will help ensure that children have the right conditions for learning in the winter, supporting schools that continue to operate and create a safe environment for students, even in the face of ongoing challenges.