Rebuilding Ukraine begins in the classroom

Wars are often measured in territory lost or regained. But history teaches us that the true measure of a nation's survival is found elsewhere: in its people, its institutions, and above all, its children.

Russia understands this well. That is why it systematically targets Ukraine's schools.

Nearly four years into Russia's full-scale invasion, every seventh Ukrainian school has been damaged. Almost 4,000 educational institutions have been partially destroyed, and hundreds more wiped out entirely. More than one million Ukrainian children cannot attend school safely. Many study online not by choice, but because their schools have no shelters, no safety, and no certainty that tomorrow will look different from today.

Ukraine's recovery will not begin when the last missile stops flying. It will begin when children can return safely to schools, regain confidence in learning, and grow into the generation that will rebuild their country.

That is why Lithuania has chosen a clear path: education is not a secondary sector of recovery – it is its foundation. Schools are not just buildings. They are anchors of community life, engines of resilience, and symbols of European values in action.

Lithuania takes a holistic approach to supporting Ukraine's education recovery.

First, we start with safety. Together with European partners, Lithuania is investing in the construction of anti-radiation, dual-purpose shelters near Ukrainian schools – spaces that allow children to return to in-person learning without compromising their lives. Under an EU programme co-funded by Lithuania and Ireland and implemented by Lithuania's Development Agency CPVA, the first underground school has already opened in Odesa region, with five more under construction. This initiative is now being scaled through the international Civil Protection Shelter Coalition, because no single country can meet Ukraine's needs alone.

Second, rebuilding Ukraine's education system must also mean reimagining it. That is why Lithuania, together with Ukrainian and Italian architects winning a special international competition, has developed the Future School for Ukraine – an adaptive, ready-to-build architectural model for modern schools across the country. It shortens planning timelines, reduces costs, embeds sustainability, and aligns with the New European Bauhaus principles. In practice, this means innovation, inclusiveness, and aesthetics are no longer luxuries, but essential tools for recovery. Lithuania has begun building the first such school in Zhytomyr and calls on other donors and international financial institutions to help scale this model across Ukraine.

Third, prolonged distance learning, displacement, trauma, and isolation have left deep scars. Without intervention, Ukraine risks losing not just years of schooling, but a generation's confidence in learning itself. Lithuania responded by launching a Catch-Up Programme in Odesa region, combining remedial education, teacher training, psychosocial support, and STEM learning in a safe, underground school environment. Early results show improved academic performance, reduced anxiety, and renewed motivation among students. Children are not simply catching up academically; they are reconnecting with learning itself.

Fourth, resilience must be built into recovery. As Russia continues to target energy infrastructure, Lithuania installs autonomous solar power systems in Ukrainian schools. This ensures that education continues even during blackouts. Resilience, in practice, means light in a classroom during winter and lessons that do not end when electricity fails.

In conclusion, as a small nation, Lithuania's strength lies in its focus, agility, and commitment to partnership. We invest where our experience adds value, pilot solutions that work, and collaborate with others to scale impact. All our actions are firmly grounded in the belief that Ukraine's recovery must be Ukrainian-led, future-oriented, and anchored in European values. It begins not with declarations, but with classrooms that are safe, modern, and open.

Lithuania stands with Ukraine – not only in solidarity, but in the work of building the future. We call on all donor countries to step up, unite, and reinforce our collective support for Ukraine. This support is needed now more than ever.

By the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kęstutis Budrys