Shelters in Kremenchuk, Restored and Equipped by the Olena Zelenska Foundation, Are Ready to Accommodate Children

10 May 2024

The First Lady of Ukraine, founder of the Olena Zelenska Foundation, and her team visited two lyceums in Kremenchuk where the shelters, restored and equipped by the Foundation within the relevant project, were opened.


During the renovation, the builders removed tons of garbage, arranged the flooring, and ensured waterproofing to keep the space dry and comfortable. A new ventilation system was installed there so that the children could breathe safely and freely. An additional exit from the shelter was also arranged, ensuring barrier-free access. The team designed a comfortable zoning for children. Now, during air threats, students can work there, among other things, with a psychologist. In addition, they installed high-quality lighting, which makes it easier to read and study.


“In the shelters, restored and equipped by the Foundation, we tried to create the most comfortable and safe space, adapted for learning, playing and exercising, that helps to overcome stress. The renovated rooms are inclusive. The entrance is equipped with a special mechanism for wheelchair access. There is a sign in Braille for the visually impaired at the entrance,” the First Lady said.


While choosing educational institutions to equip shelters, the Foundation was guided primarily by the number of students. They also took into account whether the situation in the region allows to resume offline education.


“We would like to make sure that children never go underground to a shelter. This is what our defenders are fighting for every day at the front. On our part, we are doing everything we can to protect our children from Russian missiles. We are restoring and equipping shelters in schools so that children feel safe while studying,” Olena Zelenska emphasized.


 The Foundation funded the comprehensive reconstruction and equipping of these shelters with accumulated international funds. The partner was the KSE Foundation.


 The areas of the shelters are 300 square meters in one lyceum and about 1,000 square meters in the other one. All the work performed complies with the SES standards.


Thanks to the availability of shelters, Kremenchuk lyceums were allowed to conduct education offline. This means that about 2.5 thousand children will be able to receive quality education and socialize.