<h6><strong>Eduardo González</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Spanish government, through the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID), has collaborated with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in the reconstruction of a school in Ukraine that was damaged in 2022 by the entry of Russian troops following the beginning of the invasion.</strong></h4> “The Myrcha Gymnasium in Ukraine, damaged by war, is being restored by UNDP Ukraine with the support of Spain and AECID,” UNDP Ukraine wrote on social media on Monday. “Today, more than 90 students and teachers are returning to a school rebuilt according to new EU standards,” it added. According to the center's director, Nataliia Krytska, in a video released by UNDP, the village was occupied on March 11, 2022, by Russian troops, who entered "at seven in the morning." "The first place they settled was the school, which they abandoned on the 31st," she added. "I remember the windows were smashed, the doors were broken. What we saw here I've only seen in movies before," recalled Artem, an eighth-grade student. "The school is being rebuilt by UNDP with the support of the Government of Spain. It will be accessible, energy-efficient, and modern," explained the Ukrainian delegation of the aforementioned United Nations program. "The decisions were made jointly by students, parents, and teachers, and around 90 students and staff members will return to a learning environment that meets European standards," she added. “The Government of Spain is proud to partner with UNDP in the reconstruction of war-damaged schools, such as the Myrcha Gymnasium,” said Ricardo López-Aranda, Spanish Ambassador to Ukraine. “We believe that investing in education and implementing the ‘Build Back Better’ approach will contribute to the resilience of Ukrainian communities, promote a green, fair, and reliable educational recovery across the nation, and give children back their childhood and access to quality education. This demonstrates our strong commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and future,” he added. “Right now, the school is undergoing major renovations for us and the entire community. These upgrades will ultimately provide our students with a truly modern environment,” said Principal Nataliia Krytska. “We are truly grateful to the Government and people of Spain for giving our children back their childhood and access to quality education,” she added. "It's going to be more stimulating for learning; the school is going to be beautiful and new. It's going to completely change your mood," said Daria, a ninth-grader.
