With the support of the KFC restaurant network, we have equipped three underground educational spaces.
Each shelter in the Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions is a cosy, friendly, and safe environment where children can not only stay during air-raid alerts but also continue learning and socialising with their peers.
- Regions Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv
- Students more than 1900
- Result three shelters created
- Partner KFC
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, the Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv regions have become symbols of Ukraine’s resilience and endurance.
These areas have suffered extensive destruction: active fighting, regular shelling, and attempted occupation have severely affected the regions. Hundreds of critical infrastructure sites — including schools, hospitals, and residential buildings — were damaged, and many families were forced to evacuate to protect their children.
Despite it all, life in these regions is gradually being restored thanks to the courage of local communities, as well as the support of the state and international partners. However, the security situation remains difficult and unpredictable.
Education here stands on resilience.
Schools operate under extraordinary conditions, and lessons can only take place where there is a shelter.
That is why we partnered with KFC — to provide students in Mykolaiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv not only with safe and comfortable educational environments, but also with the chance to regain at least a small piece of their carefree childhood.
In 2024, KFC launched a year-long fundraising campaign in its Ukrainian restaurants — “Star-Marked Donation.” Guests could purchase a special meal and a charity sticker pack, automatically donating to the recovery of Ukrainian education.
Together, we raised ₴10,500,000. All funds were directed to the creation of modern, safe, and welcoming learning spaces.
Renovation and full transformation of a school shelter in Mykolaiv
With KFC’s support, we fully renovated the shelter of a local gymnasium and transformed it from a technical basement into a fully functional underground school.
We renewed ventilation and lighting, furnished the space with ergonomic furniture and learning equipment, and designed every detail so that both children and teachers feel safe and at ease.
Equipping an underground learning space in Balakliia (Kharkiv region)
We equipped the Balakliia shelter to become a place for learning, recovery, and development. The space includes comfortable furniture, learning equipment, and a physical activity zone with a Swedish wall, tatami mats, and soft seating.
To support meaningful leisure, we added board games, books, table football, and other activities to help children preserve a sense of normal childhood.
Equipping the shelter in Zaporizhzhia
The underground learning space in Zaporizhzhia was constructed as part of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine’s “School Offline” policy, funded through the state subvention and local budget.
The savED team, supported by KFC, contributed by furnishing the space and equipping it with learning technology and a sports corner.
