Ukraine’s first ‘bomb-proof’ underground school opens its doors near war-ravaged Kharkiv

UKRAINE’S first underground college has opened its doorways — 20ft under the ­floor in a bomb-proof bunker.

Twenty brightly-lit school rooms were created within the purpose-built premises in a suburb of war-ravaged Kharkiv.

It got here as combating raged across the besieged town, which it’s feared is being encircled via Russian ­forces forward of a full-scale attack.

But within the college the youngsters have been jubilant at vision their pals once more.

Some fought again tears as they sang the nationwide anthem — the ladies dressed in sashes throughout conventional Ukrainian clothes.

The varsity has an preliminary enrolment of 300 kids, which is ready to get up to 900 via September.

Maximum have been taught in metro stations within the battle’s early days sooner than switching to laptop house finding out.

Educator Koval Olena, 45, mentioned: “It’s important for the children that they can now see their friends and learn in a natural environment.

“The spark in their eyes when they arrive here is back and it’s wonderful to see.

“It’s sad they have to be here but at least it gives them an opportunity to work properly.”

Town mayor Ihor Terekhov spearheaded the varsity’s launch.

He mentioned: “The children of Kharkiv, like any other children, deserve safety, peace and a normal life — to grow up without fear or restrictions, to study in ordinary schools, to dream big, to prosper.

“We plan to build similar schools in other districts of the city.”

Kharkiv has been blitzed via drones and bombs since enemy troops introduced a summer season offensive.

The Institute for the Learn about of Battle perceptible Russia has captured greater than 750 sq km of Ukrainian length this week.

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