BUILDING THE FUTURE
OF EDUCATION TOGETHER

On 6th of March, the first co-design session was organised in Bucha, Ukraine, with more than 40 participants and speakers from Lithuanian Ornithological Association, European Institute of Innovation and Technology, Galileo, ISKU, Pažinimo medis and Modulina, which resulted in the site selection and laid the foundation for the classroom design. We can already see, that the curiosity of the Bucha children is shaping the classroom into the sanctuary of the knowledge and creativity, fostering a deep appreciation for the environment and sustainable living.

Financial Overview

Bucha School received a total of €72,9 thousand in donations throughout 2024. These generous contributions have been pivotal in advancing our mission to provide modern, inclusive, and resilient educational space for the children of Bucha. These funds were allocated towards technical design preparation, capital expenditure estimates, and construction permit application. In addition, the company has signed two in-kind donation agreements for construction materials worth €120 thousand.

Audit and Approval

The financial statements for 2024 were meticulously audited by BDO Ukraine, a member of the international audit and consulting group. The audit confirmed that our financial records are accurate and comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This rigorous process ensures that our financial practices meet the highest standards of integrity and transparency.

Key Achievements

• Technical Design Completion and Construction Permit: The construction permit for Bucha School's was received in February 2025, providing immediate opportunity to start the construction of the shelter and kindergarten, followed by primary and secondary school for 880 children.
• Energy Efficiency Certificate: Bucha School received the highest A Energy Class Certificate, aligning with the European Commission’s Nearly Zero Emission Standard (NZEB).
• New European Bauhaus CO-create 2025: A proposal to create a Bucha Forest Classroom was selected among 8 projects from Europe to receive grant for project implementation in 2025.
  

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, Bucha School continues to raise funding for the start of construction. We extend our gratitude to all our donors, partners, and community members for their continuous support. Together, we are making a lasting impact on the future of education in Bucha.

🇺🇦 Bucha, a town in the Kyiv region, was one of the first to face the enemy and suffer from it. Because of the horrendous cruelty of the russian army towards Ukrainian civilians, Bucha became one of the bitter symbols of the war. After the de-occupation, numerous pieces of evidence of civilian killings, torture, and other crimes emerged. The housing stock suffered greatly, as did the social and educational infrastructure of the city – 14 schools in total were damaged during the occupation.

🌳 This isn't just any school – it's the first A energy class school in Ukraine, setting a new environmental standard for educational infrastructure. It is zero emission building, ensuring sustainability and protected biodiversity.

🏫 The Bucha School project has been a labor of love, resilience, and innovation, aimed at providing a safe, modern, and environmentally friendly learning environment for the future generations of Ukraine. The school will have a shelter that will be adapted for dual usage during peacetime. It will help the children return to education in school instead of studying at home.

🧒 A new modern school will replace old Soviet-type and damaged education infrastructure in Bucha, rebuild a social fabric for the community, and create additional capacity for 720 pupils in school and 180 in kindergarten.

🎨 The school is designed to have innovative education spaces with high aesthetics, creating a second home for children and enabling inclusive and modern education methods. It will be the education space that will empower children suffering from the traumatic experiences to reach their full potential.

We want to thank from the bottom of our heart to the architect teams of 2L Architects & Engineers, BAUST architects, martins studio and all the volunteer specialists who contributed with their insights.

We also want to thank to you, who provided necessary funds to complete the technical design phase, especially NOVUS, FIRSTPICK, PIRKLIŲ KLUBAS and all the individual donors who donated on GlobalGiving platform.

You can find construction permit here.

Let's continue to support Ukraine and celebrate this incredible recovery story! 💪🇺🇦

This event, organised by Monika Kiriejevaitė, was a true test of endurance and spirit, celebrating Lithuania's 107 years of independence. The hike wasn't just about physical endurance; it had a noble cause. The participants aimed to raise funds for the Bucha Forest Classroom in Ukraine.

Thanks to the generosity of 57 individuals and two companies, ISKU and Hostinger, the hikers raised a total of €4,793. These funds will be used to furnish a classroom, providing a unique learning environment for the children in Bucha Forest.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who participated, donated, and supported this cause. Your contributions are making a real difference. The event received extensive coverage from LRT on national TV and radio, highlighting the community's spirit and dedication.

About Hike for Freedom

The Hike for Freedom is an annual event that brings together passionate individuals to celebrate Lithuanian independence through a challenging and meaningful activity. Each year, participants take on a significant hiking challenge, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Lithuanian people. The event also aims to support various charitable causes, making a positive impact both locally and internationally.

Donation includes state-of-the-art thermostats, dimmers, light switches, sockets, and more - transforming the school's interiors with modern, smart and stylish solutions. These upgrades will create a more efficient, comfortable and inspiring environment for both students and teachers.

On behalf of the entire Bucha community, we are grateful to JUNG for believing in the magic of education and the power of giving. Together, we are not just lighting up classrooms - we're illuminating the path to a brighter future for Ukrainian children!

About JUNG Vilnius

JUNG Vilnius is part of a JUNG family, a premium supplier of modern building technology. The Company offers a wide range of products and solutions for lighting, blinds, air conditioning, energy management, security, door communication, and multimedia. JUNG is known for its high-quality, innovative, and stylish electrical installation systems. Their products are designed to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of various spaces, making them more efficient and comfortable.

The GLT beams from Jūrės medis are not just a financial contribution; they represent a commitment to quality and sustainability. These beams will form the backbone of our new facilities, ensuring that they are built to the highest standards. The sports hall and amphitheater will provide our students with state-of-the-art ethereal spaces for physical activities, performances, and community events. The new sports hall will offer a modern space for physical education, promoting health and wellness among our students. The amphitheater will be a hub for cultural and artistic activities, fostering creativity and expression.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Jūrės medis for their incredible support. Their generosity is a testament to their commitment to education infrastructure rebuilding in Ukraine and Bucha community development. This donation will have a lasting impact on Bucha school and students, helping us to provide an enriched and full of serenity learning environment.

Together, with the support of companies like Jūrės medis, we are building a brighter future for Bucha children. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us.

About Jūrės medis

UAB Jūrės medis is one of the largest manufacturers of glue laminated timber structures in the Baltic states. The company has produced such structures since 1974 and the origins of the company date back to 1909 when the german merchant F.Torkler has established a new sawmill in Jūrės village. Extensive experience and high quality of products is approved by the quality certificate of the German Otto Graf Institute for strength classes A, GL24; GL28 and GL32 in accordance with EN14080. In 2012 the company received ISO9001 and ISO14001 certificates.