As russia summoned its full-scale military invasion in Ukraine in February 2022, Lithuania stood up to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom and territorial integrity. With the government, grassroots, and business initiatives, Lithuania’s humanitarian, financial and military assistance for Ukraine has crossed the mark of 1 billion EUR, ranking Lithuania as one of the three largest contributors worldwide in terms of the percentage of its GDP.
As a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, Lithuanians have sent thousands of tonnes of humanitarian aid to the affected regions and opened their homes to war refugees – by hosting nearly 80 thousand of Ukrainians, helping them to integrate, find jobs or continue education in Lithuania.
Recognizing that the needs of Ukraine go beyond immediate relief, Lithuania was one of the first countries to launch and implement resconstruction projects, aiming to turn the destruction of war into an opportunity to rebuild better, more beautiful and stronger Ukraine.
In 2023, on the 24th of August, Ukraine's Independence Day, a heavily damaged kindergarten in Irpine emerged anew from the ruins left by russian aggression. Thanks to the joint efforts of Lithuanian, Ukrainian and Taiwanese partners, the kindergarten was rebuilt in just 8 months.
Equipped with modern facilities, forming a cheerful environment for learning and growth, the kindergarten is set to accommodate 400 children and employ 45 staff members.
Lithuania sees Ukraine’s education sector recovery as a priority. In 2021, Lithuania had already reconstructed a school in Avdiivka. Furthermore, the reconstruction of the lyceum in Borodyanka, supported by the Fund for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, is on track to be completed by the end of 2023.
Moving forward, Lithuania is committed to working together with Ukraine and other global partners in the long-term recovery and reconstruction, restoring stability, and forging a peaceful future.
"Future School for Ukraine" initiative, launched by the Lithuanian Government, will deliver a practical solution for rebuilding Ukraine's educational infrastructure. This initiative will entail the creation of an adaptable, standardised school building design that will be accessible to all communities in Ukraine. The technical design would not only save time and reduce costs for the reconstruction but also create the best and most innovative future school featuring integrated advanced technologies and smart systems.
