ABOUT THE PROJECT

Children are our future!
The project is implemented by the non-profit organization “Charitable Foundation "Brave" within the framework of the "U-LEAD with Europe" Program and with the financial support of the Service of Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) of the European Commission.
U-LEAD's "Rebuilding Local Schools for Resilience" initiative aims to provide concrete support to 12 selected war-affected communities in three regions of Ukraine – Chernihiv, Kyiv, and Kharkiv regions – by funding their approaches to restoring access to education. The project will provide an opportunity to assess the damage and invest in repairing school buildings or, if the latter are structurally unsafe or destroyed, provide access to online learning by creating digital learning centers.
The "Rebuilding local schools for Sustainability" project is part of the U-LEAD School Initiative.
We work together for the speedy recovery of Ukraine!

selected schools

Kyiv Region:Kuhari Lyceum in the Ivankiv communityMakovyshche Gymnasium in the Makariv community
Chernihiv Region:Lukhachiv Lyceum in the Mryn communityNovobykiv Lyceum in the Novobasan communityDorogyn Lyceum in the Ichnian communityShapovaliv Lyceum in the Borznyan community
Kharkiv Region:Rusko-Loziv Lyceum in the Dergachiv communityBalakliya Lyceum No. 5 in the Balakliya communityPechenihy Lyceum named after G. Semiradskyi in the Pechenihy communityRohan Academic Lyceum in the Rohan сommunityCapitoliv Lyceum in the Oskil communityIzyum Lyceum No. 11

ACHIEVEMENTS BY MARCH 2023

We initiated our first round of consultation meetings and got the official paperwork ready.
Discussions were held to help choose the schools for the program. We created a list of schools that might be considered for restoration. These steps paved the way for initial visits to potential locations.
A broad action plan was outlined, and we established a dedicated team.

ACHIEVEMENTS BY APRIL 2023

Throughout April 2023, we embarked on a series of visits to potential reconstruction sites.
During these visits, we conducted evaluations to assess the compatibility of each location with our set criteria. As a result of these careful assessments, 12 educational institutions were chosen to proceed.
We also compiled comprehensive lists detailing the damages and requirements of each school, which helped us formulate a thorough reconstruction plan, after assessing the scope of work and reaching a consensus on the optimal course of action.

ACHIEVEMENTS BY MAY 2023

As of May 2023, renovation plans for each selected school have been designed.
Documentation for the announcement of reconstruction tenders has been prepared, tenders have been announced.
Additional consulting was carried out.

ACHIEVEMENTS BY JUNE 2023

Successfully finalized 12 memoranda with carefully chosen educational institutions.
Conducted tenders for reconstruction projects.
Procured required materials and established contracts with contractors for reconstruction.
Commenced repairs in schools.
Engaged volunteers and local community representatives in the reconstruction efforts.
Held meetings to lay the groundwork for school navigation design, and corresponding work has been initiated.

Achievements by July 2023

1. Kuhari Lyceum (Ivankiv community): Completed new electrical installations and added plasterboard partitions for the toilet and cafeteria. Initial plastering and entrance group arrangements have begun.

2. Makovyshche Gymnasium (Makariv community): Finished dismantling and plastering work, moving forward with power grid installation.

3. Lykhachiv Lyceum (Mryn community): Restored the facade using traditional Ukrainian plaster house techniques. The first layer of work is 80% complete, with two more layers to follow, including whitewashing. Over 15 volunteers and locals participated, with further volunteer visits planned. This eco-friendly approach, which conserves heat, aligns with Ukrainian traditions. The building will feature traditional Petrykivsky paintings with the roof reconstruction underway.

4. Novobykiv Lyceum (Novobasan community): Completed plastering work.

5. Dorogyn Lyceum (Ichnian community): Finished dismantling work, improved the sports hall and entrance group, and commenced plastering.

6. Shapovaliv Lyceum (Borznyan community): Scheduled electrical work, replaced plastic windows, and planned repairs for the assembly hall, entrance group, entrance hall, and toilets.

7. Rusko-Loziv Lyceum (Dergachiv community): In the process of window installation.

8. Izyum Lyceum No. 11: Repairing the basement, DLC center with SavED, and two toilets in the bomb shelter.

Additional Activities

As part of our project, we come together to arrange activities that aren't directly tied to school renovations, but instead, revolve around the schools themselves. 
School Navigation Design
In partnership with KAMA, we're collaborating on a project dedicated to a comprehensive school navigation design. We have set our sights on completing the design development, printing, and installation of navigation elements within schools by September, 1st.
Capturing Kukhari School and Novyi Bykiv Lyceum Journey: A Documentary
A documentary film is currently in the making, spotlighting the transformation of the schools. ForStory GmbH & Impactfilm gGmbH, along with DYVAKY Productions, are documenting the renovation efforts carried out by builders and volunteers. The film showcases insightful interviews with students, educators, and parents, while also recording the extent of the damage.
Lykhachiv Lyceum: A Documentary Tale
A documentary film has been created, shedding light on the restoration of Lykhachiv Lyceum. This film reflects the dedicated efforts of builders and volunteers as they undertake repairs. What sets this renovation apart is its distinct approach, as it embraces the time-honored Ukrainian construction technique of building peasant guts called “mazanka”.
Books collectionWe have announced the initiative to gather books for both school and village libraries, some of which are located inside the schools. In just a few days of the book collection, we have already received a contribution of several hundred books.
Murals in the MakingWe're actively preparing for the creation and installation of captivating murals on the walls of the schools. To bring this vision to life, we have invited talented artists representing diverse styles.
Engaging on Social MediaWe are consistently showcasing the ongoing school reconstruction on the Brave's and "U-Lead with Europe's" social media platforms. Through photos, videos, stories, and updates on volunteer camps, we aim to provide a nearly real-time glimpse into our progress.

It's all for the happiness of the students!!