A major safety project in the field of education is being launched in Drohobych. A modern radiation protection shelter will be built on the grounds of Drohobych Lyceum No. 1 named after Ivan Franko, which will at the same time serve as a fully fledged underground educational space for pupils. This was reported by Drohobych City Council.
In recent days, a working meeting was held at the lyceum with the participation of Mayor Taras Kuchma, Head of the Education Department Petro Shev’yak, deputy of the Lviv Regional Council Serhiy Olenych, the school head, Lesia Terletska, and representatives of LLC “Ekobudstyl”. Following an open tender, this company was selected as the contractor for the construction works, and during the meeting the parties signed a contract for the implementation of the project.
The total value of the contract is UAH 201.5 million, of which more than UAH 91.1 million is planned to be used in 2026. Construction works are expected to begin at the end of July or early August, and the project is expected to be completed in approximately two years.
The new facility will have a dual purpose. In normal times, it will function as an underground learning space, and during air-raid alerts it will serve as a radiation protection shelter. The structure will be designed to accommodate up to 1,500 people at a time, which will make it possible to maintain the educational process without interruption and ensure an appropriate level of safety for the lyceum’s pupils and staff.
The project provides for the creation of modern classrooms, a resource room, a speech therapist’s office, a medical point, offices for a psychologist and social worker, a buffet, sanitary facilities and other rooms necessary for children’s learning, development and support. Particular emphasis is placed on accessibility: the building will be adapted for people with limited mobility, with lifts installed, unobstructed entrances and access to key areas in line with modern inclusivity standards.
Another feature will be a sports ground on the roof of the shelter. It will be used for PE lessons, sports and health activities, and to organise active leisure for schoolchildren. Once construction is completed, improvements to the lyceum grounds are also planned: paving of the courtyard, installation of a fence and landscaping of the adjacent area.
“Despite the war, we have no right to put the development of education on hold. On the contrary, today our task is to create conditions in which children can study, develop and communicate safely, even during air-raid alerts. The construction of this underground educational space is an investment not only in safety, but also in the future of our community. We are consistently working to ensure that every child has access to quality education in a modern, comfortable and accessible environment. That is why the implementation of this project is one of our key priorities,” said Taras Kuchma.