Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv school transforms into shelter for 800 people, equipped with gym and classrooms

Photo: facebook.com/timurtkachenko

Maria Ignatenko

A multi-functional shelter has been established at School No. 62 in the Darnytsky district of Kyiv. Inside, there is a gym where students can seek refuge during air raids, and after they have ceased, they can also use it for practicing karate.

The Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries, Tymur Tkachenko, reported this.

What is the problem?

This shelter serves as a prime example of its dual function, not just as a protective haven but also as a space for other purposes. It can house approximately 800 people during air raids, including both high school students and nearby residents. During peaceful times, it hosts martial arts classes for children.

^{Photo: facebook.com/timurtkachenko}

What is the solution?

The area of the renovated shelter is almost 500 square meters. It had several sports facilities, study rooms, toilets, and other facilities. There is also a supply of drinking water here.

^{Photo: facebook.com/timurtkachenko}

A little more than UAH 2 million was spent on arranging the shelter, which is a small amount for such a volume of work. Part of the money was allocated from the state and local budgets and also provided by the local sports section, which rents part of the premises.

How does it work?

As Tymur Tkachenko noted, this civil protection building has a tenant who conducts martial arts classes for children. The sports section of "Shogun" participated in the funding, allowing them to offer courses in a secure environment. Both local and state budgets contributed to the funds. It was a relatively small amount, just over UAH 2 million, showing that safety sometimes comes at a low cost.

^{Photo: facebook.com/timurtkachenko}

^{Photo: facebook.com/timurtkachenko}