First Lady Champions School Shelters

The First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, has taken a significant step in ensuring the safety and education of children in the Chernihiv region by visiting newly established shelters in schools and kindergartens. Supported by the Olena Zelenska Foundation, these shelters aim to provide a secure learning environment amidst ongoing conflict.

During her visit, Zelenska highlighted the importance of these shelters, emphasizing that they are not merely options but necessities for in-person education during wartime. “Children deserve the right to education and normalcy, even when sirens replace school bells,” she stated. The Foundation has already facilitated the operation of ten shelters in the region, equipped with learning, rest, and play areas, fully accessible for all children.

The effort to create safe educational spaces has been supported by international partners, including the Government of the Åland Islands, the Latvian foundation Ziedot.lv, and Bosch Group. These collaborations have led to the renovation of 30 shelters across Ukraine, serving over 13,000 children in various regions, including Poltava, Mykolaiv, and Odesa.

Zelenska’s visit also included the School of Superheroes in Chernihiv, a project funded by the Foundation and the Camões Institute of Portugal. Situated in a children’s hospital, this educational center offers classes for different age groups and resources for mental health support, catering to around 400 children last year.