In a groundbreaking initiative, construction has begun on Ukraine's first underground school in the southern city of Zaporizhzhia. This innovative project aims to provide a safe learning environment for students amid the ongoing conflict that has devastated the country's educational infrastructure. The school, designed to accommodate 500 students, is expected to open for in-person classes this autumn.
The Need for Underground Schools
Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Education, Yevhen Kudriavets, recently highlighted the dire situation facing the nation's schools due to the full-scale invasion. According to Kudriavets, every seventh school in Ukraine is currently damaged, with over 3,500 educational institutions suffering some form of destruction and nearly 400 being completely destroyed. This unprecedented level of damage underscores the urgent need for alternative, secure learning environments.
Details of the Zaporizhzhia Project
The underground school in Zaporizhzhia is being constructed nearly seven meters below ground. This design aims to ensure the safety of students from potential attacks, a necessity in a region that has seen significant conflict. The school will accommodate students from two nearby schools, with classes taking place in two shifts to maximize usage.
At the nearby overground School Number 88, a third radiation shelter is being constructed, which will double as a classroom for offline learning. Principal Liudmyla Zlatova emphasized the lack of alternative schooling options in the neighborhood and noted that while some parents are hesitant, many are supportive of the new measures.
Parental Perspectives
Parents have mixed feelings about sending their children to school in a war zone. Liubov Pashina, whose child attends School Number 88, expressed relief at the prospect of in-person classes resuming. "We were very happy, and the kids were happy; they miss live communication. Nowadays, the children's eyesight is deteriorating because they are constantly sitting at the computer and their eyes do not rest," Pashina said.
Broader Regional Impact
Zaporizhzhia's governor, Ivan Fedorov, announced plans to build ten underground schools across the region, with five already under construction and expected to open by the end of the year. "We are on track to start the educational process in new underground schools in the fall," Fedorov stated.
Zaporizhzhia holds particular significance in the conflict as it is home to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant, which has been under Russian control since shortly after the invasion. The plant's occupation and the ongoing fighting around it have raised concerns about potential nuclear disasters, heightening the need for secure educational facilities in the area.
International and National Responses
The UN's International Atomic Energy Agency has repeatedly warned against military activities around the plant. Human Rights Watch's recent report, 'Education Under Occupation,' emphasized the severe strain on Ukraine's education system and praised the innovative steps taken by national and local authorities, supported by civil society and international donors, to continue providing education. These efforts include expanding the online curriculum, now featuring 10,000 video lessons covering grades five through eleven.
The Cost of Rebuilding
The World Bank's February report estimated the cost of Ukraine’s recovery and rebuilding at $411 billion (€378 billion) over the next decade. This figure reflects the extensive damage to civilian infrastructure, including schools, caused by the conflict.
The construction of underground schools in Zaporizhzhia represents a critical step in ensuring the safety and continuity of education for Ukrainian children amidst ongoing conflict. As Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges posed by war, innovative solutions like these are essential to protect and nurture the next generation.
Source: Euronews
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