Kyiv, January 27, 2025 – With the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) Kyiv, a new 340 m² air-raid shelter has been completed at Special School No. 4 in Chernivtsi. The intervention, implemented by the Fondazione L’Albero della Vita (FADV), will provide over 120 children and teachers with a safe and functional space during air alerts, ensuring the continuity of school activities and improving learning conditions.
The works included the renovation of six rooms, corridors, and staircases, the replacement of entrance doors with reinforced models, the installation of a ventilation system, and the complete modernization of electrical, plumbing, sewage, and heating systems. Additionally, four new restrooms were built, two of which are fully accessible in compliance with inclusivity standards.
This intervention is part of the Emergency Initiative in Support of the Population Affected by the Conflict in Ukraine and Neighboring Countries, funded by the Italian Cooperation with a total contribution of 46.5 million euros. The initiative supports 26 projects led by Italian, international, and local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), providing assistance in education, health, protection, water and sanitation services, as well as emergency and demining operations. Overall, these activities reach over 900,000 vulnerable individuals in Ukraine.
The shelter’s inauguration was attended by local authorities and institutional partners, including Ruslan Zaparanyuk, Governor of Chernivtsi Oblast, and Roman Hreba, Deputy Governor, along with representatives from the local Department of Education and the school. Also present were members of the FADV staff, including the Program Area Director, the Ukraine Desk, and the Coordinator of the Chernivtsi Hub.
AICS, together with local and international partners, remains committed to ensuring protection, access to education, and resilience for communities affected by the crisis.
For further information, please contact Barbara Taccone, Communication Officer, AICS Kyiv: barbara.taccone@aics.gov.it.