Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, almost 80% of Chernihiv's educational infrastructure has been damaged, and two schools have been destroyed. Educational institutions were forced to switch to distance learning.
The main requirement for educational institutions to resume full-time learning was the availability of a protective structure where students could stay during an alarm and wait out the danger. 
- The minimum set of tasks to be performed was determined: to provide ventilation, backup lighting, lighting, and equipment for the self-service center. Work was carried out as soon as possible for each of the educational institutions to create opportunities for their full-time functioning, - said Vasyl Bilohura, Head of the Education Department of Chernihiv City Council.
At the beginning of the 2024-25 school year, there are 31 schools in Chernihiv, and only one educational institution operates exclusively in a distance format. Almost 80% of students have returned to full-time education.
Chernihiv Lyceum No. 22 received funding to equip a shelter from the Swiss-Ukrainian project DECIDE. The school has 1228 students. Most of them previously studied in two destroyed schools in Chernihiv - #18 and #21. 
A 400-square-meter shelter was transformed into a real educational center. The floors, electrical wiring, sewage, and ventilation systems were replaced. The space has modern furniture, tables, chairs, a projector, a laptop, etc. The shelter can accommodate 716 people and allow the Lyceum to conduct full-time education in two shifts. 
Liudmyla Verba, principal of Chernihiv Lyceum #22, said: Each classroom has its location in the shelter and is assigned a corresponding place, so the children know where to go with their teacher. When the shelter was being repaired, the children participated in the project. We organized four teams that developed project estimates. Then, we held a vote in which all children in grades 5-11 participated, and the winning project was implemented.
The space meets modern standards and considers the principles of inclusion and barrier-free access.
- Cooperation with DECIDE is an opportunity to attract extra-budgetary funds to implement measures to create more comfortable conditions for children in shelters, to equip them, to provide spaces where, if possible, extracurricular activities and classes with children during air raids could take place, - said Vasyl Bilohura.
All projects implemented with the support of DECIDE are added in the DREAM ecosystem.
- Using the DREAM ecosystem ensures accountability, openness, and transparency to the donor, the state, and society. Partners explore opportunities and the positive experiences of communities in implementing projects and cooperating with donors, - said Bilohura.
Project in DREAM - https://bit.ly/4hqh8e3
The DREAM Project Office created the material within the GIZ Ukraine Sustainable Society Cluster framework, funded by the German Government and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
