The Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) introduces a new 18-month education support project based in the underground school–shelter in Odesa region — a facility built by CPVA and co-funded by the EU, Lithuania and Ireland.
On the eve of St Nicholas Day, when Ukrainian children traditionally hold on to their belief in miracles, CPVA and savEd co-organised a STEM & ART festival for more than 300 children. As part of the education support project, the festival showcased the types of STEM & ART activities to become a regular from 2026.
Co-financed by Taiwan, the initiative adds a meaningful educational component to the underground school project and aims to reduce learning losses among Ukrainian children affected by the war and pandemic.
At the festival, children explored eight interactive “stations”: 3D modelling, chemistry experiments, robotics, engineering, as well as improvisational theatre, painting, Orff-based music, and a singing circle. Using a carousel format, they could try as many disciplines as possible. Each child received an “Explorer Passport” to collect stamps ranging from chemical reactions to Christmas carols.
“Offering moments of joy to the children who live every day under threat is invaluable, especially during the Christmas season,” said Aurima Lasickienė , Group leader of CPVA’s education projects.
“Even before opening the shelter-school in April, we were thinking not just about equipping the building but about creating meaningful development opportunities. Learning loss is a serious challenge in Ukraine, and this joint programme with UA partner savED is a natural continuation of Lithuania’s support.”
Helping Ukrainian children to bridge learning gaps
According to research by savED, 82% of Ukrainian school administrations acknowledge learning losses among students.
Responding to this challenge the project will provide:
- Compensatory lessons in mathematics, Ukrainian and English languages, and Ukrainian history — already available since October.
- STEAM and arts activities for higher-achieving students — to run regularly from early 2026.
All activities are free of charge for the 3 schools of the community and guided by trained educators and mentors.
This programme is one of several education initiatives implemented by CPVA as part of Lithuania’s broader commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s educational resilience and reconstruction. It is financed by Lithuania’s Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid Fund with co-financing from Taiwan, and implemented by CPVA in partnership with the Ukrainian charitable foundation savED.
