New Preschool in Ukraine's Zhytomyr Oblast Offers Hope and Resilience Amidst War

Strategic Insights -

A new preschool in Vysoke village, built at a cost of €812,000, is a symbol of hope and resilience for local families affected by the ongoing war. The facility, financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) under the Ukraine Recovery Programme, provides a safe and practical space for learning and care, hosting 40 children and featuring a radiation-protected shelter for the community. This project is one of 12 ongoing or completed EIB-financed recovery projects in Zhytomyr Oblast, totaling €16 million in investment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The preschool in Vysoke village is the first in the village and features a radiation-protected shelter for children, staff, and the entire community.
  • The project was financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) through the Ukraine Recovery Programme, at a cost of €812,000.
  • The new facility can host 40 children and provides a safe and practical space for learning and care, meeting safety standards and including a radiation-protected shelter.
  • The preschool features secure play zones, barrier-free access, playrooms, classrooms, a medical room, and essential service areas, catering to the needs of children and staff.
  • The shelter is available for the entire community during air alerts and outside school hours, serving as a dual-purpose facility.
  • The EIB recovery programmes in Zhytomyr Oblast include renovations of schools, hospitals, and other public buildings, as well as improvements to water and wastewater systems, totaling €16 million in investment.
  • The EIB has provided €3.6 billion in financing for Ukraine's resilience and modernization since 2022, with almost two-thirds already disbursed.
  • The Ukraine Recovery Programme is one of three joint EU-EIB recovery initiatives implemented together with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance, and local authorities, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Statistics:

  • The preschool in Vysoke village cost €812,000 to build.
  • The EIB recovery programmes in Zhytomyr Oblast include 12 ongoing or completed projects, representing €16 million in investment.
  • The EIB has provided €3.6 billion in financing for Ukraine's resilience and modernization since 2022, with almost two-thirds already disbursed (Source: EIB).
  • The EIB-backed programmes are supported by €15 million in EU grants to facilitate implementation (Source: EIB).
  • The EIB has financed €740 million through the Ukraine Recovery Programme as of October 2025 (Source: EIB).

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank (EIB)
  • Ukraine Recovery Programme
  • Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine
  • Ministry of Finance
  • United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • European Union (EU)
  • EU Delegation to Ukraine
  • Head of Section for Reconstruction, Energy, Infrastructure and Environment at the EU Delegation to Ukraine Jocelin Cornet
  • Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine and Minister for Development of Communities and Territories Oleksii Kuleba
  • Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration Vitalii Bunechko
  • Head of Vysoke Village Council Mykola Barduk
  • UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Auke Lootsma