With the conflict escalating, almost 700 children have sought refuge in this underground haven.
The subway kindergarten, inaugurated a few weeks ago in Kharkiv, operates during weekends in the same classrooms utilized as schools on weekdays. The initiative follows the establishment of a school in underground railroad stations due to the heightened risk of attacks in the city, prompting the implementation of remote teaching in other facilities.
The Nastoyashchye Vremya TV portal reported on Sunday that the subway kindergarten has become a crucial refuge for children who, initially hindered by Covid-19 restrictions, later faced facility closures amid the Russian invasion. The endeavor not only provides a safe learning environment but also serves as a means for children to reunite, fostering a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos.
Kindergarten teacher Yulia Machova expressed the significance of this initiative, stating: "It is good that there is such an opportunity in our conditions. They are waiting for a meeting. They want to see each other. We are trying to turn this into a small children's day for them."
Kharkiv's mayor, Ihor Terekhov, revealed plans last autumn to construct Ukraine's first underground school, designed to meet modern safety standards for protective structures. Such a facility would offer a secure space for thousands of Kharkiv children to continue their education even amid the challenges posed by Russian military’s missile strikes.
Source: PAP