The European Union has launched an 18-month education recovery project aimed at restoring children’s safe access to in-person education in communities affected by the war in the Mykolaiv and Sumy regions.
According to the European External Action Service (EEAS), the initiative will run from summer 2026 until the end of 2027 and will combine the development of educational infrastructure with programmes designed to address learning losses.
New facilities and renovated shelters
The project is being implemented through the charitable foundation savED and follows a comprehensive approach to educational recovery in communities severely affected by the war.
In the Mykolaiv region, two Educational Recovery Centres will be constructed, while in the Sumy region a shelter will be renovated and fully equipped.
The EEAS said the intervention will allow a local school to resume in-person or blended learning in line with safety standards.
The upgraded facilities and secure shelter will also help ensure that education can continue during air raid warnings.
EU provides €2 million in support
Henrik Huitfeldt, Head of the Public Finance, Business Support and Social Policies Section at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said the EU is providing €2 million through the Ukraine Facility to support savED’s efforts.
He said many children continue to face the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, including damaged schools and ongoing security risks.
According to Huitfeldt, the project reflects EU solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting children and strengthening the resilience of their communities.
Learning programmes for thousands of students
As part of the education recovery programme, two rounds of learning recovery courses will be delivered in 2027.
The programmes will take place in the new educational spaces, the renovated shelter and 40 schools in the Mykolaiv region.
Subjects covered will include Ukrainian language, mathematics, English, Ukrainian history and primary education courses.
Students will learn in small groups, while their progress will be monitored through diagnostic tools and final assessments.
Long-term support for communities
The project aims to provide modern and safe educational infrastructure, allowing children to return to classroom-based or blended learning.
The EEAS said the programme will help students close learning gaps, recover academic knowledge and strengthen social and emotional skills.
Cooperation with local educators is expected to create a sustainable support system that will continue after the project is completed.
savED co-founder Anna Novosad described the agreement with the European Commission as “a great honour and responsibility”, adding that the organisation has the trust of EU institutions in supporting Ukrainian education.
The EEAS said the partnership between the EU and savED represents a holistic approach to educational recovery, combining safe learning spaces, teacher support and measures to address learning losses.
The initiative aligns with the priorities of Ukraine’s Ministry of Education and Science and international recommendations for safe and uninterrupted access to education in communities affected by war.
Also read: Why Russian ballistic missiles are breaching Ukrainian defences
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