Renovation
Air-raid shelter for Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
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Project area:258 m²
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Number of beneficiaries:150
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Budget Solidarity (planned):3.9 million
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Budget Solidarity (actual):2.6 million*
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Project end date:2026
*The actual cost was lower than anticipated thanks to efficient financial management, favorable terms from suppliers, and logistical support from a strategic partner.
-
Project area:258 m²
-
Number of beneficiaries:150
-
Budget Solidarity (planned):3.9 million
-
Budget Solidarity (actual):2.6 million*
-
Project end date:2026
*The actual cost was lower than anticipated thanks to efficient financial management, favorable terms from suppliers, and logistical support from a strategic partner.
Context and challenge
At the beginning of December 2025, air raid alerts sounded in Kyiv more than 1,900 times, with the total duration of danger exceeding 2,300 hours. Behind each of these minutes lay constant tension, anticipation, and the need to seek shelter from a real threat that disrupts daily life.
It is precisely under such conditions that the availability of a large shelter becomes essential for Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv: it allows students and teachers to quickly reach a safe place, even during classes. Thanks to this facility, the university can accommodate more students on-site, while due to the high number of learners, studies are organized in shifts — groups rotate every three weeks.
Before
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After
Before
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After
Solidarity’s contribution
Our foundation renovated part of the shelter, increasing its total capacity by an additional 150 people. The upgraded shelter can now accommodate up to 1,000 people simultaneously. In total, 258 m² of space were arranged.
The works carried out included dismantling and installation of structures, interior finishing (waterproofing, tiling, painting), electrical works — cable installation, setup of the electrical panel, sockets and lighting — as well as a full range of plumbing works, including installation of heating radiators, replacement of the sewage riser, and installation of sanitary equipment.
For me, as a former student of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, it is a pleasure to see that my alma mater now has more spaces where learning can take place safely. This is extremely important, as safety is an absolute priority today. The comfortable conditions created here significantly improve the quality of life for students in these difficult times. I thank the Solidarity charitable organization for its support. All financial contributions from partners and charitable organizations, as well as donor-funded projects, represent significant and valuable support for Kyiv today.”
Timur Tkachenko
Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration
Result and impact
The renovation of the shelter at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv has created safe and comfortable conditions for students and teachers, who can now continue their studies even during air raid alerts. And we are not stopping there: our foundation’s cooperation with the university continues — the university administration and Solidarity have signed an agreement to reconstruct three student dormitories damaged by Russian shelling, so that more students can live and study in a safe environment.
The mission of the organization is to be useful in a field we know well — construction. Being useful means ensuring, or at least contributing to, people’s safety. A shelter at a university provides a certain level of protection. It allows young people to return to in-person studies. In this way, we fully fulfill our mission.
Matthieu-Marie Ardin
President of the Solidarity charitable organization
