One building of Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 13 was built in 1952, and the other in 1985.

‘Since then, the equipment in the kitchen unit has not been modernised. Cosmetic repairs were carried out, but over time the condition of the premises only deteriorated. The kitchen unit needed a major overhaul: replacement of outdated equipment and communications, ventilation, walls, ceilings, and tiles that no longer met modern standards. It was also necessary to replace non-functional technological and kitchen equipment in accordance with new technologies and cooking requirements. The introduction of more efficient cooking processes required a comprehensive renovation of the kitchen unit,’ says Inna Levchenko, Principal of Gymnasium No. 13.

 

Kitchen unit before renovation

 

For example, the marmites, which are designed for prolonged heating of food, did not perform their functions, and the sewage system did not work.

‘Everything was old and worn out. It was very difficult to work with this equipment,’ says Yuliia Holina, school canteen supervisor.

 

Kitchen unit before renovation

 

Within the framework of DECIDE: VIDBUDOVA school renovation initiative, the kitchen unit (as well as the school premises and bomb shelter) was renovated and equipped in line with modern requirements.

‘This is an expensive project – over UAH 10.7 million. However, it is not just about renovating one kitchen unit – it is about creating a model for other schools and communities. The kitchen unit was renovated in cooperation with the School Nutrition Office, which helped us select equipment and plan the layout. Now it is one of the exemplary models in the school nutrition reform. In particular, this design has already been implemented in 35 schools in Chernihiv,’ says Valentyna Poltorak, DECIDE Project Manager.

 

Kitchen unit at Gymnasium No. 35

 

‘We worked on renovating and modernising the gymnasium building, as well as on the bomb shelter. Another equally important area of work is creating a safe and healthy educational environment by modernising kitchen units, updating menus and promoting a culture of healthy nutrition. Together with the Swiss-Ukrainian DECIDE Project team, we audited the condition of school canteens and created a space that is ideal in every sense – a canteen and kitchen unit where children enjoy spending time and staff find it convenient and comfortable to work. In addition, the installed technological equipment not only speeds up the process of preparing healthy meals, but is also energy efficient,’ says Vasyl Bilohura, Head of the Education Department of Chernihiv.

In this article, read about the changes that have been made in the kitchen unit and the feedback from the chefs and children.

What has been achieved

‘The work we did in the kitchen unit was very special. First, we inspected the premises together with the Department of Education and involved engineers, architects, and teachers. Next, we commissioned the development of project and cost estimate documentation and discussed all project decisions in detail, from planning and style to equipment.

The important thing was for this space to be modern, functional and cosy for the kids. During the construction phase, we provided regular support and quality control. As a result, the kitchen unit became exemplary: it complies with school nutrition reform, allows for quick and safe service to students, and the children received a modern, bright and comfortable canteen,’ says Serhii Omelichkin, the Swiss-Ukrainian DECIDE Project Grant Manager.

As part of the major renovation of the canteen and kitchen unit, ceramic tile flooring was installed, which is highly wear-resistant and easy to maintain, and the water supply, sewage and heating systems were replaced.

New electrical wiring and equipment that meets modern energy efficiency requirements were also installed. A new ventilation system was installed, the walls were decorated, and ceilings were installed.

 

Kitchen unit after renovation

 

On top of that, modern equipment was purchased, such as a thermal cooking system with two pans (multi-pan), a steam convection oven, a pot washing machine, an immersion-type dishwasher, a planetary mixer, dough mixer, egg steriliser, knife steriliser, freezer chests, electric meat grinder, vegetable cutter, electric stove, extractor hoods, first and second course marmites, hand mixer, potato peeler, seven refrigerators, commercial and kitchen scales.

What the kitchen unit currently looks like and what the chefs think

Six chefs currently work in the kitchen of Chernihiv Gymnasium No. 13. These people prepare meals for over 800 schoolchildren every day, serving meals seven times a day (1st and 2nd shifts).

‘To be honest, when I went to work for the first time after the renovation, I was worried about whether we would be able to handle the new equipment properly. Fortunately, we had undergone training before that, which gave us confidence and helped us to work in a coordinated and organised manner. Now we have modern technology designed to make our work easier and faster. I was particularly impressed by the combi steamer – a multifunctional professional oven that combines convection and steam cooking for efficient and consistent cooking of a variety of dishes. In addition, it cooks food quickly and even cleans itself. And my personal favourite is the potato peeler. We used to peel potatoes for 800 people with a knife, but now this work has become much easier and faster,’ says Yuliia Holina.

Yuliia and her team of chefs also appreciated the tableware, which can be used to set the table beautifully.

‘You know, even I found it unpleasant to put salad on a plate with hot food. But now everything is different: we serve it in separate salad bowls. It may seem like a trivial thing, but it radically changes the perception of food. The children really like it. We have beautiful, modern tableware, and we try to serve dishes in an aesthetically pleasing way. Each plate has its own purpose, which is also important for food culture,’ says the canteen supervisor.

The canteen is divided into zones in accordance with modern sanitary and technological standards. There are separate rooms for vegetable and meat preparation, areas for food storage, and a room for washing dishes.

‘We are extremely pleased that thanks to this renovation, our canteen has been transformed into a modern, comfortable, and safe space that meets all the latest standards. The quality of the work carried out and the new equipment greatly facilitate the work of our staff and create ideal conditions for organising healthy nutrition for children. This is very important to us, because proper and tasty nutrition is the key to successful learning and good health for students. We would like to thank everyone who participated in this project. We are confident that now children will enjoy coming to the canteen, and our cooks will work with great inspiration,’ says Inna Levchenko.

 

 

During the renovation of the facility, including the kitchen unit, a fire alarm system was installed. It not only detects fires, but also alerts everyone to air raid sirens, which significantly increases safety for everyone.

‘Now I want to go to work even more every day. This place is comfortable. You come in and immediately feel like working. You follow all the technological processes and clearly understand how much more useful and higher quality the food for children has become,’ says Yuliia Holina.

 

Kitchen unit after renovation

 

Children’s and teachers’ feedback

Viktoriia Havrylenko, a practical psychologist at the gymnasium, noticed that children began to enjoy their meals longer. She said that the food became even tastier with the new equipment.

‘A hungry child cannot concentrate on learning, so the cafeteria is a very important place. Children are happy to go there because they get the energy they need to continue learning. And our chefs can even deliver food to the bomb shelter during an air raid alarm,’ says Viktoriia.

 

 

In turn, Yuliia Holina says that this is not difficult to do. After all, there is an exit from the kitchen unit to the bomb shelter.

‘I really like that there is a nice hand-washing area right in front of the dining room. There are sensor taps, which are very convenient and ensure hygiene: the tap is controlled by an infrared sensor, so you don’t need to touch it. There are also large mirrors. The interior is a whole other story: it’s very beautiful and cozy, and it’s really nice to be there,’ says ninth-grader Sofiia Mosiichuk.

 

 

The students also mention that the canteen now has large tables arranged in rows, which they find extremely convenient. Previously, the layout was different and it was not possible to fit the chairs between the tables.

‘The canteen is now one of the coolest places in the school. Everything there is bright, which really lifts the mood. Once I saw how the tables were serviced – it was very beautiful, like in a restaurant. We always had delicious food. But still, the new tableware and new equipment make all the difference,’ says Sofiia Mosiichuk.

 

After renovation

 

‘We are sincerely proud of the results of our cooperation with the Swiss-Ukrainian DECIDE Project team, because this is a crucial investment in our children. They are the ones who will continue to rebuild Ukraine; they are our future,’ concludes Vasyl Bilohura.

Mariia Buleiko (Markovska)