European Union Supports Ukrainian Community of Vysoke in Opening Its First Preschool
The European Union has shown its dedication to supporting Ukraine's recovery and development through the European Investment Bank (EIB), financing the construction of the first preschool in Vysoke village, Zhytomyr Oblast. This project, worth EUR812,000, is part of 12 ongoing or completed EIB-financed recovery projects in the region. The preschool provides a safe and practical space for 40 children, including a radiation-protected shelter that also serves the community during air alerts. The village of Vysoke has been enabled to send its children to a full-day preschool for the first time, offering parents greater opportunities to work while ensuring their children's safety.
Key Takeaways:
- The project cost EUR812,000 and was financed by the European Investment Bank through the Ukraine Recovery Programme.
- The preschool is the first in the village and includes a radiation-protected shelter for children, staff, and the community.
- The shelter is designed to host children and staff during air alerts and can be used by the entire community outside of school hours.
- The preschool can host 40 children and features playrooms, classrooms, a medical room, and essential service areas.
- The outdoor space has secure play zones and barrier-free access, ensuring safety and accessibility for all.
- The preschool reflects the cooperation between local authorities, the European Union, the EIB, and the UNDP to deliver safe, functional spaces for people.
- The project is part of 12 ongoing or completed EIB-financed recovery projects in Zhytomyr Oblast, representing EUR16 million in investment.
- The Ukraine Recovery Programme is one of three joint EU-EIB recovery initiatives implemented with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance, and local authorities, with technical support from the UNDP.
- EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska oversees the Bank's operations in Ukraine and has expressed EIB's commitment to supporting Ukraine's recovery and development.
- Head of Section for Reconstruction, Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment at the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jocelin Cornet stated that the project represents more than just a building, but a promise of security and hope for Ukrainian families.
Statistics:
- The preschool project cost EUR812,000.
- The EIB has provided EUR16 million in investment through 12 ongoing or completed projects in Zhytomyr Oblast.
- The EIB has provided EUR3.6 billion in financing for Ukraine's resilience and modernization since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
- As of October 2025, the EIB has provided EUR740 million through its recovery programmes to support Ukraine's recovery.
- The EIB-backed programmes are further supported by EUR15 million in EU grants to facilitate implementation.
Sources:
- European Investment Bank (EIB) news release: "European Union helps Ukrainian community of Vysoke open its first preschool"
- Original text available at: https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2025-419-european-union-helps-ukrainian-community-of-vysoke-open-its-first-preschool