The First Lady of Ukraine, accompanied by the team from Olena Zelenska Foundation, embarked on an important journey to visit renovated shelters in educational institutions in Chernihiv region, including the School of Superheroes.
Thanks to the Foundation's efforts, ten shelters are now operational in the region. Chernihiv has been under heavy bombardment since the start of the full-scale invasion, with some communities experiencing occupation in 2022.
«During wartime, shelters are not a choice but a necessity for ensuring learning and development. When the siren replaces the school bell, children have the right to be students, not just witnesses to conflict. Every safe space provides them with an opportunity for education, socializing, and a sense of normal life,» emphasized the President's wife.
The Olena Zelenska Foundation is actively restoring shelters to ensure children's access to education. These spaces feature areas for learning, relaxation, and play. All facilities are fully accessible, with entrances equipped for wheelchair access. In kindergartens, dedicated rest areas are being created.
«Every restored shelter in frontline regions guarantees that the school year can continue in a safe environment. Thanks to our partners, we are equipping shelters where they are needed the most,» highlighted the Foundation's director, Nina Horbachova.
Currently, there are 30 shelters in Ukraine funded by the Foundation, serving 13,000 children in Poltava, Chernihiv, Mykolaiv, Dnipro, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia. The four shelters visited during this trip were renovated with support from the governments of the Åland Islands, the Latvian fund Ziedot.lv, and the Bosch Group.
Representatives from the diplomatic missions also attended the event, including the Ambassador of Latvia to Ukraine Andrejs Pildagovičs, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Finland in Ukraine Merja Lahtinen, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Portugal in Ukraine Pedro Forbes Lemos.
Additionally, the First Lady visited the School of Superheroes in Chernihiv, which recently began its operations. Its establishment was funded by the Olena Zelenska Foundation with support from the Camões Institute of Portugal. The educational space operates on the basis of the regional children's hospital. Throughout this year, while renovations were ongoing, classes were held for around 400 children. The center includes three classrooms for different age groups, a mental health room, and a dedicated area for preschool activities.
