Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In the Kharkiv region near the Russian border, school infrastructure has been repaired, allowing over 15,000 children to return to classrooms. The UN’s infrastructure agency UNOPS, funded by the European Union, reinforced buildings and repurposed a basement as a shelter and gallery, demonstrating community resilience.
Teacher Yurii Tkalenko, involved in a training programme aligned with the New Ukrainian School reform, highlights a curriculum focused on adapting to children's needs. This initiative is led by UNESCO, funded by the Global Partnership for Education, in collaboration with Ukraine’s education ministry.
In the Donetsk region, mothers like Anastasiia gave birth in protected maternity wards in Kharkiv. Supported by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the EU, frontline maternity units continue to provide essential medical care despite ongoing conflict.
The International Labour Organization's Nanny School has trained 80 women to care for children up to three years old. Nearly half have secured more stable employment, moving away from informal jobs. Through UN Women’s She Drives project, women like Oksana have trained for new roles, such as driving city buses, challenging traditional gender roles in cities like Kryvyi Rih.
In Zaporizhzhia, hospital director Hanna Makarenkova leads a team treating over 25,000 blast injury patients and evacuees from Mariupol since the conflict escalated. Despite challenges like bombardment and blackouts, medical professionals report strong solidarity and resilience among staff.