In a significant move to ensure the safety and continuity of education for children amid ongoing conflict, the Olena Zelenska Foundation recently hosted the “Safe School: Comprehensive Solutions for Ukraine’s Children” workshop. This event was part of the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) 2026 in Gdańsk, aimed at tackling the pressing challenges faced by the Ukrainian education system due to the full-scale war. The workshop brought together key figures including Yevhen Kudriavets, the First Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine; Mariia Karchevych, Deputy Minister of Health; and Ivan Fedorov, Head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, among others. The participants discussed strategic measures to maintain in-person learning and protect the well-being of children in conflict zones. Opening the workshop with a video address, Ukraine’s First Lady emphasized the urgent need to create a safe educational environment to preserve the essence of childhood and secure the future of young Ukrainians. “Children are learning now. Their childhood is happening now, and it must be protected now,” she stated, highlighting the importance of immediate action despite the war. The discussions centered on the comprehensive “Safe School” model proposed by the Olena Zelenska Foundation, which includes modern shelters that provide not only protection but also energy independence, enhanced school kitchens, and a supportive, accessible learning environment. Victoria Romanova, CEO of the Foundation, explained that these shelters are designed to be more than just physical structures; they are envisioned as spaces where children can feel secure, calm, and confident even during wartime. To date, the foundation has successfully equipped 31 shelters in schools and kindergartens across various regions, benefiting over 14,000 children. With more than 30 additional projects in progress, the workshop underscored the need for a holistic approach that integrates safety, quality nutrition, psychosocial support, and barrier-free environments to scale these solutions across Ukraine. Post navigation Thousands Freed from Captivity