Kindergarten No. 141 in Odessa is reopening its doors for children, thanks to the support from Japan and UNDP.
The first children are returning to the kindergarten, which was damaged during the Russian attack in the summer of 2023. Restoration efforts were made possible through collaboration with the Government of Japan and the city of Yokohama, a long-standing partner of Odessa.
In the renovated facility, two short-term groups will operate, accommodating 25 children (08:00–12:00). After the completion of work in the other buildings, full-day groups will be opened, allowing for a total of 125 preschoolers.
Today, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine, Masashi Nakagome, and representatives of the Yokohama municipality joined the live connection, as they are also raising funds for the facility's improvement.
“The opening of the kindergarten, restored with Japan's support, is a testament to our commitment to protecting children and their future,” emphasized Mr. Nakagome.
“We value our partnership and will continue to support each other as close friends,” added Yokohama's Deputy Mayor Hirotaka Sato.
Odessa's Mayor, Gennady Trukhanov, highlighted:
“We feel Japan's support despite the thousands of kilometers that separate us, in our projects and assistance. The repair of the basement and the establishment of basic shelter have already been completed with the city budget.”
Christoforos Politis, the acting UNDP Permanent Representative in Ukraine, added:
“It is a great honor for UNDP to be part of such a partnership. We remain committed to the rebuilding of Ukraine, uniting people and communities across borders.”
