Kindergarten No. 141 in Odesa has reopened after more than two years of closure due to war damage, offering children a safe and renewed learning environment. The restoration of the facility was led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Government of Japan. Of the kindergarten’s three buildings, one has been fully restored, with repairs on a second building expected to be completed soon. Reconstruction work included roofs, ceilings, walls, floors, facades, electrical systems, and the surrounding grounds.
To support the kindergarten’s reopening and demonstrate solidarity, UNDP and Yokohama, Odesa’s sister city in Japan, launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise approximately U.S. $20,000 for new playground equipment. Prior to the 2022 full-scale invasion, the kindergarten served 125 children. The facility initially reopened in 2023 with a shelter for 80 children but was damaged again in June 2023 by a missile blast wave that affected three buildings and the playground. Despite the damage, staff continued to care for the premises while awaiting reconstruction.
Odesa Mayor Hennadii Trukhanov expressed gratitude to international partners, emphasizing the professionalism of UNDP, the generosity of Japanese partners, and the support of the Yokohama community. Short-term programs for 25 children have already resumed, with full-day operations planned once the main building and cafeteria are repaired.
UNDP Officer-in-Charge Christophoros Politis highlighted the importance of supporting children and youth as the foundation of a nation’s future, praising the project as a symbol of resilience, international cooperation, and community solidarity. Hirotaka Sato, Vice Mayor of Yokohama City, and Japan’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Masashi Nakagome, also reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and the enduring partnership between Yokohama and Odesa.
The reopening of Kindergarten No. 141 symbolizes hope, resilience, and the power of cross-border collaboration in restoring essential educational spaces for children in conflict-affected areas.
