What was adopted
The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 1 billion UAH for the construction of shelters in preschool education institutions, the government's press service reports, citing Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko. According to official data, with these funds they expect to build at least 20 kindergartens with shelters in various regions of Ukraine.
"In conditions of constant enemy shelling, shelters in kindergartens are a space for a safe, uninterrupted educational process, especially in frontline areas."
— Yuliia Svyrydenko, Prime Minister
Key parameters of the program
Communities can submit projects on the DREAM platform. Applications are being accepted from January 20 to January 26 until 18:00; the allocation of funds is planned to be completed by the end of February.
Eligible for the state subsidy are:
• preschools with no fewer than 100 enrolled children;
• specialized kindergartens;
• institutions that are the only ones in the community or in whose premises two or more kindergartens operate simultaneously.
If one assumes a minimum of 20 institutions, this yields approximately up to 50 million UAH per facility on average; actual amounts will depend on the scope of work and project documentation.
Context and international support
This initiative complements international efforts: the World Bank in December 2025 allocated $30 million for the development of preschool education in Ukraine, partially aimed at equipping group rooms and shelters. Such a combination of state and international resources is a marker that child safety and continuity of education remain priorities for partners.
Why this matters
First, shelters are not only a space to take cover during shelling but also a guarantee of the continuity of the educational process: parents are more likely to send children to kindergarten if there are safety guarantees. Second, investments in preschool spaces support local infrastructure and create jobs during construction and outfitting.
What communities need to do and what’s next
Communities planning to apply for the subsidy need to promptly prepare project documentation and submit an application on DREAM within the specified timeframe. Next comes competitive selection and technical inspection of projects; the speed and quality of preparation will determine whether a particular institution makes the list of funded ones.
Now it’s up to the communities: will these declarations turn into concrete shelters in every district? The answer depends on the readiness of local authorities and the quality of projects — and this is a matter of security for millions of Ukrainian families.
