Portugal to support reconstruction of Zhytomyr school destroyed during war

Portugal has volunteered to assist in rebuilding the lyceum №25 in the northwestern city of Zhytomyr, which was destroyed by a Russian airstrike at the beginning of the full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, Rubryka reports, citing local authorities.

What's the problem?

On March 5, 2022, Vitalii Bunechko, the head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration, reported that the 25th lyceum was destroyed by a direct missile strike, which has nothing to do with the military at all. 

"I said yesterday and will continue to say that we will restore all the destroyed schools. Military personnel who will give a worthy rebuff to any aggressor will study there," said the head of the region at the time.

What's the solution?

Portugal has promised to help restore the damage caused by the Russian airstrike on the school in Zhytomyr.

The reconstruction involves a memorandum of understanding between the Zhytomyr City Council and the Portuguese company Construção Pública, E.P.E. on cooperation.

The document was signed during the 3rd forum on the reconstruction of the Zhytomyr region.

How does it work?

"An important event took place during the Forum — the city of Zhytomyr signed a memorandum with the state-owned company of Portugal, Construção Pública, E.P.E.," said Bunechko.

Before the war, the lyceum had 1,300 students from grades 1 to 11. Now, it is planned that no more than 820 children will study in the newly rebuilt building, as new state building standards require more spacious classrooms, as well as a gym and a lobby. The number of laboratories will be increased following the example of European countries.

A modern scientific space, which will be the center of the new philosophy of Ukraine's modern education system, will be built on the site of the 25th Lyceum in Zhytomyr.

Vitalii Bunechko cited successful cooperation between the Zhytomyr region and international partners. Specifically, a new kindergarten with its own shelter in Ovruch became the first facility in Ukraine built "from scratch" with the funds of international partners under the Ukraine Recovery Program. 

The UNICEF Children's Fund and the German state bank KFW, under a memorandum of cooperation with the regional military administration, are also implementing projects in six communities of the region to modernize water supply systems, improve the quality of medical and educational services, and create conditions for the development of Ukrainian youth. Currently, ₴265 million is to be allocated for the project purpose. 

Within these projects, communities play a huge role, working directly with donors.

The Ukraine Recovery Conference will take place in Tokyo on February 19-20. More than 30 Ukrainian companies are expected to participate.

Also, as part of the "Childhood Address" project, First Lady Olena Zelenska's Charity Foundation is preparing 11 houses for foster families who lost housing due to the war against Ukraine.