Mykolaiv, June 2026 – The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has unveiled the results of a major renovation of the Mykolaiv Lyceum, funded by a 13.2 million UAH grant from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The project brings two educational institutions under one roof, ensuring safe, concurrent, face-to-face learning for hundreds of children displaced by conflict.
Located in the Korabelny district, home to over 70,000 residents, the lyceum stepped in to accommodate 250 pupils from a nearby gymnasium destroyed by shelling in 2022. Limited shelter capacity forced children to study in shifts, but after 13 months of extensive work, the upgraded facility now allows 900 pupils and 150 staff to return to safe, full-time education.
Jakob Hansen, Head of the Danish Embassy Office in Mykolaiv, described the renovation as a “small victory” for the city, noting that every step toward restoring normal education encourages families to return. The unveiling ceremony was attended by local leaders including Vitalii Kim, Head of the Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, and Serhii Korenev, Deputy Chair of the City Council, who emphasized the importance of such infrastructure projects for community resilience.
The centerpiece of the renovation is a 400 m² underground shelter, designed as a self-sufficient energy hub. Equipped with an 8 kW hybrid inverter and a 15 kWh battery, the shelter ensures uninterrupted operation of ventilation, sewage pumps, lighting, water heaters, and fire alarms during blackouts. Future-proof technology allows seamless integration with solar power, making the facility independent of the main grid. Comprehensive CCTV and fire safety systems add further protection, while modern furnishing ensures comfort for students and staff.
Julian Zakrzewski, Country Director of DRC Ukraine, highlighted the significance of the project: “This is a practical investment in safety, continuity of learning, and the city’s ability to support families who remain in or return to Mykolaiv.”
Beyond the shelter, the renovation improved the school’s energy efficiency to withstand harsh winters. Contractors installed 115 energy-efficient windows, two large ribbon windows, and 11 secure external doors, covering a total glazing area of 380 m². These upgrades drastically improved thermal insulation, ensuring classrooms remain warm and comfortable.
Staff praised the modern technology, noting advanced ventilation systems, automated backup power, and integrated cameras that enhance both safety and convenience. The automated power system eliminates the need for manual intervention during outages, a significant improvement for daily operations.
The Mykolaiv Lyceum renovation demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment can safeguard education in conflict-affected regions. By combining safety, energy efficiency, and modern technology, the project provides stability for students, teachers, and families, while reinforcing Mykolaiv’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
