The resilience of Ukraine in the face of adversity is epitomized by its latest endeavor — underground schools.
As Russian airstrikes continue to target civilian infrastructure, the Ukrainian government is taking extraordinary measures to ensure education remains uninterrupted and safe.
Deputy Education Minister Nadiia Kuzmichova announced on December 27 that over 150 underground educational facilities are planned to be operational by September 2025, according to Digi24.
The initiative, first reported by Kyiv Independent, aims to safeguard students and educators in the country’s most embattled regions.
Over 400 Schools Destroyed
Currently, 79 underground schools are actively under construction, including both general education institutions and vocational training centers.
The facilities are being prioritized in frontline regions and areas heavily impacted by ongoing Russian bombardments.
Kuzmichova emphasized the importance of completing all projects on schedule, stating:
"We expect construction of all facilities to be completed by September 1, 2025."
The city of Kharkiv has already pioneered this approach by utilizing its metro stations as makeshift underground schools.
This adaptation not only shields students from attacks but also enables in-person learning, which has been heavily disrupted by the conflict.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by the damage inflicted on Ukraine's education system.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, one in seven schools has been damaged, and over 400 have been completely destroyed, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Education.
During the early days of the 2024 school year alone, Russian airstrikes damaged at least 12 educational institutions in just three days, resulting in significant casualties.
