Completion of Underground School Facilities in Zaporizhzhia and Surrounding Areas
Just in time for the new academic year, four underground schools designed to accommodate 1,700 students have been completed and equipped across Zaporizhzhia city and its region. These specially constructed schools enable children to attend in-person classes safely during frequent air raid warnings and shelling, marking a significant advancement in protecting students amid ongoing conflict.
Specifically, two of these underground schools are located within Zaporizhzhia city, while the other two serve communities throughout the surrounding region. These new facilities are part of a broader initiative that has resulted in the construction of 15 underground schools and shelters before the school year began. Since the full-scale invasion, Zaporizhzhia Oblast has built a total of 22 underground schools and six radiation shelters, which collectively can support nearly 24,800 students when operating in two shifts.
Across Ukraine, more than 125 underground schools are now operational, reflecting a nationwide strategy to ensure children’s safety during lessons. Looking ahead, the government has allocated 5 billion hryvnias in 2026 for creating and upgrading school shelters. These funds target 113 shelters across 22 regions, prioritizing communities facing high or very high security risks.
Funding and Collaborative Support
The construction and outfitting of these protective spaces are managed by local territorial communities, funded through a partnership program with the World Bank called “Improving Access and Resilience of Education in Crisis Conditions in Ukraine” (LEARN). Additional financial backing comes from the European Union through the Ukraine Facility instrument.
Andriy Butenko, a representative of the responsible agency, emphasized: "The state is consistently investing in shelters and underground schools. This approach has proven to be one of the most effective models for maintaining in-person education in regions with elevated security risks, as children remain in protected environments continuously rather than seeking shelter only after air raid alarms sound."
In addition to schools, the region celebrated the opening of its first underground kindergarten in Zaporizhzhia. This facility accommodates 140 children, including 115 enrolled students, some of whom have special educational needs. This initiative highlights a comprehensive commitment to providing secure learning environments for all children amid today's challenges.
The completion of underground schools in Zaporizhzhia and its region represents a crucial move toward safeguarding educational continuity during wartime. These institutions not only enable uninterrupted learning but also create safe spaces essential for children’s well-being in conflict zones. The combined investment from both national authorities and international partners underscores the high priority placed on child safety in Ukraine’s most vulnerable areas. The launch of the underground kindergarten further reflects an inclusive approach to education during crisis, addressing the needs of children requiring specialized support.
In addition to these newly established underground schools, the ongoing efforts to protect children's education in Ukraine have also led to the opening of the country's first underground kindergarten in Pisochyn, which can accommodate 260 children. This initiative highlights the commitment to ensuring safe learning environments amidst the challenges posed by the current conflict. For more details on this significant development, you can read about the first underground kindergarten in Ukraine.