On 15 April 2025, the Ambassador of Latvia to Ukraine, Ilgvars Kļava, inaugurated two so far largest facilities renovated by Latvia in Ukraine: the building of the Preschool Education Institution No. 19 in the city of Chernihiv, and the catering unit of the Chernihiv Regional Children’s Hospital. EUR 1,200,318 have been invested in the renovation of the two facilities to date.
“Latvia’s contribution to the reconstruction of social infrastructure sites is more than just rebuilding walls. Children are provided an opportunity to return to a safe, nurturing environment, as far as it is possible under war-time conditions. Latvia is committed to supporting Ukraine in the creation of a future where every child can thrive,” Ilgvars Kļava said.
During the siege of the city of Chernihiv, an explosion of an artillery round caused severe damage to the premises and the façade of the pre-school institution No. 19. Upon completion of the reconstruction works, 150 children will return to their kindergarten, which has been fully restored: the building was thermally modernized, premises renovated, the heating and lighting systems installed. The Chernihiv municipal services have replaced windows. The building has been also equipped with furniture purchased by the Latvian Ministry of Economics.
The Regional Children's Hospital has been serving as medical support point of strategical importance since the early months of the war, with the Chernihiv city hospital having been destroyed in a missile strike. Thermal insulation has been installed on the catering unit’s façade, the roof replaced, waste water drainage and outbuildings put up, the interior fully overhauled, and kitchen equipment purchased and installed. It should be noted that, with funding from Latvia, work has begun to build a neonatal operating room.
At the opening of the renovated facilities, Maryna Denysiuk, Deputy Minister for Development of Communities and Territories, expressed gratitude to Latvia for providing an opportunity for children to regain a sense of stability. Latvia’s contribution has been welcomed as critically important for the restoration of social infrastructure in Chernihiv.
The Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, Christophoros Politis, said that Latvia’s contribution to the restoration of social infrastructure will strengthen the development of the Chernihiv Region through investing in people to encourage the return of residents, especially families with children.
The Deputy Head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration, Zhanna Sherstiuk, underlined: “Latvia’s support is not just about renovated buildings, it is a friendly shoulder to lean on, which brings hope.” The Deputy Head of Administration thanked Latvia for supporting the urgent priorities set by the Chernihiv Region and restoring the facilities that people need most.
Besides the pre-school and the hospital’s catering unit, three other sites have been renovated in the Chernihiv Region in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme in 2024: the Talalaivka Lyceum, the Malyatko kindergarten in the village of Kyinka, and the Staryi Bilous Lyceum in the village of Novyi Bilous.
Further information
- The Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UN Development Programme on the restoration of social infrastructure facilities in the Chernihiv Region was concluded on 7 September 2023. The agreement is part of Latvia’s total support for rebuilding of Chernihiv Region, and EUR 5.1 million was allocated from the 2023 State budget for this purpose.
- In line with the Agreement signed on 11 April 2024 between Latvia and Ukraine on Long-term Support and Security Commitments 2024-2026, Latvia has earmarked EUR 15 million to implement reconstruction projects focusing on the restoration of social infrastructure facilities, psychological support for women and the transfer of expertise, especially on matters related to EU integration. Under the agreement, Ukraine will remain a priority in Latvia’s development cooperation policy until its accession to the EU.
- Latvia has been supporting the reconstruction of Ukraine, especially the Chernihiv Region, since autumn 2022, by engaging in the restoration of social infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life of the Ukrainian people.
- In February 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers passed a decision to grant EUR 5.7 million for further reconstruction and support measures in Ukraine.
