European Union helps Ukrainian community of Vysoke open its first preschool

On 29 October, the European Investment Bank announced that the village of Vysoke in Zhytomyr Oblast of Ukraine has opened its first preschool, giving local and internally displaced children access to early education close to home.

The project was financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank of the European Union, through the Ukraine Recovery Programme.

The new facility hosts 40 children and provides a safe and practical space for learning and care. Built in just 11 months amidst the war, the preschool meets safety standards and includes a radiation-protected shelter where children and staff can stay during air alerts. 

After school hours, the shelter is available for the entire community. The basement is designed as a dual-purpose shelter. 

The building is fully equipped for daily preschool activities, with playrooms, classrooms, a medical room and essential service areas. Its outdoor space features secure play zones and barrier-free access, ensuring safety and accessibility for all.

The Ukraine Recovery Programme is one of three joint EU-EIB recovery initiatives implemented together with the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance and local authorities, with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

In Zhytomyr Oblast, 12 projects under EIB recovery programmes are complete or underway, representing €16 million in investment. They include the renovation of schools, hospitals and other public buildings, as well as improvements to water and wastewater systems – essential for keeping vital services running, and improving living conditions during the war.

Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration Vitalii Bunechko highlighted that the new preschool in Vysoke is the third completed facility: “Last year, together with the EIB, we opened a modernised paediatric infectious diseases department in Guiva. This year in Zhytomyr, we completed the reconstruction of the surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No.2.”

“For the first time, families in Vysoke can send their children to a full-day preschool. This means parents will have greater opportunities to work, knowing their children are safely cared for. This is a great achievement for our community, made possible with EU support,” said Head of Vysoke Village Council Mykola Barduk.

As of October 2025, the EIB has provided €740 million through its programmes to support Ukraine’s recovery.

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Press release