Introducing Zaporizhzhia’s Innovative Underground Kindergarten
Zaporizhzhia has unveiled the country’s inaugural underground kindergarten, designed to serve up to 140 children. Currently, 115 young learners attend this unique facility, which includes those with special educational needs. This pioneering project ensures a secure environment that supports full-day education and care, even during air raid alerts.
Thanks to a combined investment from national and local budgets in 2026, including a state subsidy dedicated to equipping preschool shelters, this safe educational space was made possible. Prior to this, kindergarten programs operated in a limited, mixed format with children allowed for no more than three hours at a time. Now, the underground setting supports a comprehensive daily schedule with meal services.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Inclusive Design
The underground kindergarten is fully equipped with:
- Six classrooms
- A kitchen and dining area
- A medical station
- Restrooms and shower facilities
To guarantee uninterrupted operation, the shelter has two independent power sources and water storage tanks. The space is thoughtfully designed for inclusivity, featuring Braille signage, tactile floor indicators, guiding strips, three accessible restrooms, and an elevator for children with reduced mobility.
A dedicated zone for therapeutic and developmental support is planned within the shelter, staffed by speech therapists, special education teachers, and a practical psychologist. This initiative marks an important advancement in making education accessible for children with special needs.
Andriy Butenko, a government representative, highlighted: "Access to in-person preschool education is vital both for children and their families. For kids, kindergarten is a place for social interaction and growth; for parents, it provides peace of mind to work knowing their child is in a protected environment."
Anastasia Konovalova, an education expert, emphasized: "Opening an underground kindergarten is about more than safety; it enhances the quality of early education. When educators operate in a secure setting, they can fully focus on child development, lessons, and meaningful engagement."
Efforts to establish protective shelters in educational institutions are underway across nine Ukrainian regions: Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Priority has been given to communities facing the greatest security threats, especially those near conflict zones, as well as facilities with ongoing construction. These projects are funded by local governments with financial support from the European Union under the Ukraine Facility program.
The launch of this underground preschool in Zaporizhzhia marks a significant milestone in safeguarding children’s education amidst ongoing security challenges. It reflects strong collaboration between local and national authorities to uphold educational standards and inclusivity in high-risk areas, ensuring that children with diverse needs have equal access to learning opportunities across Ukraine.
As the need for safe educational environments grows, another innovative facility has opened in Ukraine. The newly launched underground kindergarten in Pisochyn accommodates up to 260 children, further demonstrating the country's commitment to providing secure learning spaces. This initiative reflects a broader trend towards ensuring that all children, including those with special needs, have access to quality education amidst challenging circumstances.