Ukraine’s First Underground Kindergarten 'Mobile' Opens in Pisochyn for 260 Children

Launch of 'Mobile'-The Nation’s First Subterranean Kindergarten

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Pisochyn community in Kharkiv region has introduced Ukraine’s pioneering underground kindergarten named 'Mobile.' Designed to accommodate 260 children, this facility ensures safety during air raid alerts, allowing uninterrupted in-person learning. Establishing this underground kindergarten marks a significant advancement in restoring education amid heightened security challenges.

'Mobile' is equipped with:

• eight dedicated classrooms;
• a medical station;
• a dining hall;
• sanitary facilities;
• and shower rooms.

The subterranean complex operates on autonomous power supplied by two independent sources and backup generators, ensuring continuous functionality even under extreme conditions. Safe corridors connect the kindergarten building to other premises, facilitating easy and secure access for both children and staff.

Accessibility features include elevators, lifts, and barrier-free pathways, making the space inclusive for children with disabilities and those with limited mobility. Funding for the construction came from combined state, regional, and local budgets, reflecting comprehensive governmental support.

Government Backing and Expanding Shelter Projects

In 2026, the Ukrainian government allocated a dedicated subsidy exceeding 972 million hryvnias specifically for establishing shelters in preschool institutions. These projects are underway across nine regions: Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kherson.

“This year marks the first time the government has earmarked funds exclusively for shelter facilities in preschool education. Our goal is to assist communities facing the highest security risks and help as many kindergartens as possible resume in-person learning,” stated Anastasiia Konovalova.

In April 2024, Kharkiv completed the construction of its first underground school, accommodating 900 students across 20 classrooms. Additionally, on January 20, 2026, a new underground school opened in Kharkiv’s Kholodnogirskyi district. These projects highlight the state’s commitment to safeguarding and improving educational environments for children throughout Ukraine.

The inauguration of the 'Mobile' underground kindergarten represents a crucial milestone in protecting children’s education during wartime. The government’s ongoing investments in educational shelters underscore the priority placed on maintaining safe, in-person learning despite security threats. Beyond resuming education, these facilities contribute to children’s psychological well-being and development by providing secure and comfortable environments. Such initiatives may serve as exemplary models for other regions striving to balance safety with educational continuity.