Children from six villages returned to their classrooms after three years of remote learning

Students of Hannivska Gymnasium in the Sofiivka community, Mykolaiv region, have returned to in-person learning after three years of remote education — made possible through the joint efforts of the local community and support from international partners who helped equip a modern shelter for the school.

📌 Why was this important?

Due to the war, the school had no safe space where students could stay during air raids. Even the simplest shelter—in the basement of a local store—couldn’t accommodate all the children. This made it impossible to resume in-person learning.

📌 What was done?

• A modern shelter was equipped with comfortable classrooms, a kitchen-dining area, and rest zones;

• Furniture, interactive whiteboards, and educational equipment were installed;

• The infrastructure was adapted to be accessible for children with disabilities.

This became possible thanks to:

• financial and organizational support from Dansk Folkehjælp / Danish People’s Aid;

• coordination and technical oversight by UA Brokers Without Borders;

• active involvement and co-funding from the local community.

🎯 The result:

Since September 2024, 59 students have returned to safe, in-person learning.

"We used to study in a shelter located in a store, but I didn’t like it. The new shelter is nice and comfortable," shared Bohdan, a 7th-grade student at Hannivska Gymnasium.

The example of Hannivska Gymnasium shows that when local communities, international, and local organizations join forces, they can transform the learning environment and create safe, comfortable conditions for children—even in the most challenging circumstances.

You can learn more about the story of how the shelter at Hannivska Gymnasium was set up by following the link: Children from six villages return to their desks after three years of remote learning.