KSE Foundation has equipped a shelter at Bilyky Lyceum No. 1 in Poltava region. Together with the adjacent shelters, the upgraded space now makes it possible to organise in-person learning for all 348 schoolchildren at the same time.
The project was implemented as part of the multi-year MYRP resilience programme, funded by Education Cannot Wait (ECW), a global United Nations fund that supports education for children affected by emergencies and protracted crises. This is the 11th educational institution in Poltava region where KSE Foundation has helped children return to the classroom. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the Foundation, with support from charitable donors, has equipped 121 shelters in schools and kindergartens across Ukraine, helping more than 50,000 schoolchildren return to in-person learning.
“As a foundation that develops educational initiatives and supports talented young people, we understand that quality education is the foundation of the country’s future. Through the ECW programme, we equip shelters so that Ukrainian children can learn in person, as having access to a shelter is a basic requirement for their return to in-person education,” said Maryna Borysenko, Director of Programmes and Implementation at KSE Foundation.
Bilyky Lyceum No. 1 is a leading educational institution in the local community. It serves 348 schoolchildren from Bilyky and surrounding settlements, including Chorbivka, Bilokonivka, Zhuky, Kustolovi Kushchi and Rubanivka. Among the pupils are 51 children who have been displaced by the war and 10 children with special educational needs.
The renovated shelter can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. Before the renovation, it was an ordinary basement with peeling walls, no sanitary facilities and no conditions for children to stay comfortably. During the renovation, the walls were plastered and painted, new flooring and lighting were installed, and the space was equipped with a sewage system, a restroom, an exhaust ventilation system and soft benches.
“The difference is substantial. We have transformed a neglected basement into a clean, bright and well-equipped space where children and staff can stay safely,” said Viktoriia Savchenko, Principal of Bilyky Lyceum No. 1.
After Russia’s full-scale invasion began, the lyceum’s pupils initially switched to remote learning. The school gradually resumed in-person classes as shelters became available. However, because the existing shelter lacked sufficient capacity, the school could not accommodate all pupils at once, and classes were held in a blended format.
The renovated space can also serve as an additional educational area when needed. During extended stays in the shelter, children can read, work on creative activities and socialise.
KSE Foundation continues to support educational institutions across Ukraine by helping create safe conditions for in-person learning and giving children the opportunity to learn, socialise and grow together.