In a significant development for education amidst conflict, the Education Ministry has sanctioned the building of the initial five underground schools in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov revealed on May 1.
Kharkiv, previously leading on educational innovation during wartime with its subterranean schools, has proven that learning can continue amid hostilities. The maiden education facility began in the Kharkiv metro.
The proximity of the conflict’s frontline to both Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv oblasts subjects these areas to continual Russian bombardments.
A generous Hr 500 million ($12.6 million) state subvention has been allocated for the schools project. The Governor, Fedorov, indicated that a procurement process for the school development will commence shortly.
Zaporizhzhia’s central region will be the site of three schools, with two more planned for the broader Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Fedorov did not mention a specific deadline for the schools’ completion.
These new educational institutions will offer academic services to children from different districts within Zaporizhzhia as well as adjacent communities.
An ambitious goal has been set by the local authorities to establish ten underground schools in the longer term, Fedorov shared.
A recent Vox Populi poll, conducted in February, indicated a trend towards virtual learning, with 81% of students in front-line zones preferring online education over traditional class settings.
Deputy Education Minister Yevhen Kudriavets, in an update from February, shared that the ongoing conflict has impacted over 3,500 educational establishments, causing near total destruction in close to 400 of these.
The Ministry of Education estimates that Russian hostilities have affected every seventh Ukrainian school.
FAQ Section
Why are underground schools being constructed in Zaporizhzhia Oblast?
Underground schools are being constructed to facilitate uninterrupted educational services despite the ongoing Russian military attacks in the region.
How much funding has the state provided for these schools?
The state has earmarked a subvention of Hr 500 million ($12.6 million) for the schools’ construction project.
Where exactly will these new schools be built?
Three of the new underground schools will be constructed in the regional center of Zaporizhzhia, with two additional facilities in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Is there a timeline for the completion of these schools?
The governor has not provided an exact deadline for the completion of these underground schools.
What are the long-term plans for underground schools in Zaporizhzhia Oblast?
The local administration plans to eventually build 10 underground schools in the region.
Conclusion
The construction of underground schools in Zaporizhzhia Oblast reflects the resilience of the Ukrainian education system in the face of conflict. This innovative approach to learning ensures that children in front-line regions can continue their education in safety. The commendable initiative, underpinned by substantial state funding, is an essential step towards maintaining normalcy and educational continuity for the young generation of Ukrainians during these turbulent times.
Note: We, TheUBJ, do not produce the news content presented here. The information provided is a rewritten version sourced from various sources on the internet through AI news feed technology. We do not claim ownership or authorship of the news content. The original link is provided for reference.