The First Kramatorsk Lyceum, which relocated from Kramatorsk as part of the national project ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Cohesive Communities’, has opened its doors in Perechyn, Zakarpattia. The educational institution was visited by Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

On 6 March 2023, the Russian army launched a double strike on School No. 1 in Kramatorsk. The resulting destruction and constant danger forced the community to seek a safe space for children. In December 2024, the Kramatorsk and Perechyn communities signed a memorandum of cooperation. This marked the first step towards relocating the institution.

The building in Perechyn underwent a complete renovation: the windows and doors were replaced, the heating, plumbing, and electricity were updated, and the grounds were landscaped. Modern learning conditions were created in the classrooms. A total investment amounted to UAH 93 million, comprising funds from the Kramatorsk community, support from the Donetsk Regional State Administration, contributions from investors, equipment from Kramatorsk educators, and support from the Perechyn community.

‘When you come into this school, you can see that everything has been done with the children in mind: bright classrooms, safe corridors, and a sports ground. We spoke to the pupils, who told us about their dreams, favourite subjects, and new friends. Moments like this make it clear what we are working for. Everything that the state and communities do together is for the children, for our future. We want them to have a childhood, education and safety, even in times of war,’ said Oleksii Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine.

Today, 351 students are studying offline at the lyceum. These include schoolchildren from the Perechyn and neighbouring communities, as well as children whose families have fled the Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions.

The relocation of the Kramatorsk lyceum is another example of how the ‘Shoulder-to-Shoulder’ project is evolving from an idea of partnership into tangible action. Communities across different regions are creating spaces where children can learn and feel safe.