The European Commission is allocating 25 million euros for comprehensive support to Ukrainian communities, preschool education workers, and the creation of modern safe spaces for children. These funds are part of the “First Steps Forward” initiative launched by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine for a large-scale update of the sector and attracting international investments.
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“Communities will participate in the project through a digital needs assessment platform, which will identify where there is the greatest need to restore access to preschool education. Priority will be given to regions with limited access to quality educational services and where children and parents have been most affected by the hostilities.”
Main Funding Directions
The program aims not only to improve the infrastructure of kindergartens but also to support staff and communities that facilitate the educational process. The main funding directions include:
- Renovation of kindergarten facilities with a focus on accessibility and safety;
- Creation of modern functional spaces for learning, play, and child development;
- Equipping dual-purpose shelters;
- Supporting education workers and local communities through training programs and updating educational methodologies.
The funding is being implemented in partnership with the World Bank under the LEARN program and is also aligned with the Ukraine Investment Framework.
Results and Prospects of the Program
As part of previous phases, the Ministry of Education and Science has already attracted 30 million USD for the development of preschool education through the expanded LEARN program. The new funding from the EU will significantly expand this program, focusing on modernizing educational infrastructure, supporting educators, and developing local communities. The project is set to commence in April 2026 and will last for three years.
The program aims to create an inclusive, child-centered educational space that will ensure:
- Safe in-person learning for children;
- Resilience of the preschool education system in times of crisis;
- Quality education and development for over 2,000 children across the country.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine emphasizes the importance of support from the European Commission, the World Bank, and the Ukraine Investment Framework to strengthen the domestic education system and its progress towards European integration.
It is also noted that the Ministry has presented an updated “Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment for Recovery” (RDNA5) for the period from February 24, 2022, to December 31, 2025.