Destroyed school (photo from archive). UNDP to rebuild Ukrainian schools in line with energy efficiency and inclusiveness standards Humanitarian aid
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the Government of Spain, has launched a project to rebuild educational institutions in Ukraine damaged by the war. This initiative focuses on energy efficiency and the introduction of alternative energy sources in line with the principle of “build back better.”
Eight Ukrainian schools are expected to be renovated by the end of December 2026. The project includes significant energy efficiency upgrades, including high-quality insulated façades, systems to minimize heat loss in winter and overheating in summer, solar water heaters, photovoltaic systems, efficient LED lighting and motion sensors. The renovation work will also take into account inclusivity and gender specifics, providing a safe and supportive learning environment.
One of the educational institutions will undergo a major overhaul and become a “pilot school”, modernized in accordance with a concept developed in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. Such projects could contribute to the country’s EU accession process.
New standards
The full-scale invasion has had a devastating impact on Ukraine’s education sector: according to the Ministry of Education and Science, about 4,000 educational institutions have been damaged or destroyed since February 2022. This has seriously disrupted the educational process, affecting millions of children and creating an urgent need for comprehensive recovery efforts.
Initiatives such as these are critical not only to ensure access to education, but also to strengthen the resilience of communities affected by the war.
UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jako Silje noted that due to power outages and the difficult security situation across the country, many children are unable to study remotely.
“These factors lead to disruptions in the learning process and problems with socialization among schoolchildren,” Silje emphasized. “Therefore, our main task is to ensure an uninterrupted educational process for those who are deprived of access to education. Thanks to the cooperation between Spain and UNDP, we can not only provide such an opportunity to children and teachers, but also introduce energy-efficient technologies that will become a new standard for all Ukrainian schools.”