By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Officials in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region have commenced the building of heavily fortified underground schools in response to the persistent threat of Russian airstrikes that have disrupted education.
The educational facilities are designed to provide a safe environment for children to continue their studies amidst the ongoing conflict that erupted since February last year.
Two of such underground schools are currently under construction, with each of them having capacity to accommodate at least 500 persons, architect Anton Korotovskykh told Reuters.
He said they built them to withstand direct hits, adding that plans are ongoing to erect more of similar projects before the end of the year.
He highlighted the urgency and importance of safeguarding educational infrastructure in the war-torn region.
Kharkiv has frequently come under Russian attacks and has seen significant damage to its educational facilities.
Korotovskykh said 817 educational institutions in the region have suffered destruction or damage due to the Russian invasion.
This move is seen as an opportunity to ensure uninterrupted education for the children of Kharkiv amid the challenges of war.
