The Olena Zelenska Foundation has signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Government of the Åland Islands. It allocates EUR 3 million to restore and equip shelters in Ukrainian schools and kindergartens.
“We are very grateful to the Åland Islands for their support, particularly in restoring protective shelters for children in schools and kindergartens. By working together, we will be able to bring even more children back to offline education,” the First Lady noted.
The funds will be used to equip shelters in the Dnipro, Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.
“Today, Europe must show strength and unity. The Åland Islands stand firmly with Ukraine. By supporting education and security, we are helping Ukrainian children to build their future. This is a vivid example of the Åland Islands' contribution to a stronger and more united Europe,” said Katrin Sjögren, Head of Åland Government.
The shelters that Olena Zelenska's Foundation will fully restore and equip with these funds will be fully accessible and adapted for children's comfortable stay and education.
“The common future of the world depends on our children. We hope that our contribution will help Ukraine restore hope and build a peaceful and sustainable future,” said Jörgen Pettersson, Speaker of the Parliament of the Åland Islands.
The Foundation's team is not only carrying out major renovations, but is also implementing an individual zoning and layout project for each facility, creating spaces for learning, communication, relaxation, and leisure.
“We are restoring shelters only in areas where the security situation allows students to return to in-person education. We are currently working on 12 shelters in different regions, three of which are already fully operational,” stated Nina Horbachova, CEO of the Olena Zelenska Foundation.
In total, more than 3,000 children in the Poltava and Chernihiv regions were able to return to offline learning this school year thanks to the shelters provided by the Foundation.
Restoration of the shelters, funded by the Government of the Åland Islands, will begin early next year.