---
title: "First Underground Kindergarten Opens in Zaporizhzhia: A Safe Space for Preschoolers"
description: "Frontline Zaporizhzhia has launched its first underground kindergarten covering over 900 sq. m and accommodating 115 children, featuring an anti-radiation shelter."
date: 2026-10-03T16:02:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/first-underground-kindergarten-opens-in-zaporizhzhia
tags: [zaporizhzhia, kindergarten, education, war-ukraine, shelter]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# First Underground Kindergarten Opens in Zaporizhzhia: A Safe Space for Preschoolers

![Underground kindergarten in Zaporizhzhia with anti-radiation shelter](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/03/v-zaporozhye-otkryli-pervyy-podzemnyy-detskiy-sad/v-zaporozhye-otkryli-pervyy-podzemnyy-detskiy-sad-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- The first underground kindergarten for 115 children has opened in Zaporizhzhia.
- The shelter covering over 900 sq. m is equipped with anti-radiation protection.
- The space is fully adapted for children with special educational needs.
- The project is implemented by the government to protect education in frontline regions.

In frontline Zaporizhzhia, the official opening of the first underground kindergarten has taken place, designed to ensure an uninterrupted educational process amid constant military threats. The educational institution is located in a secure underground space and is capable of simultaneously accommodating up to 115 children, providing them with all the necessary conditions for comprehensive development, learning, and recreation throughout the day.

### Shelter Characteristics and Infrastructure

 The new underground kindergarten is equipped with a modern anti-radiation shelter with a total area of over 900 square meters, capable of accommodating up to 140 people if necessary. The space is designed with all modern safety and inclusivity requirements in mind: it is fully adapted for students with special educational needs. It features not only comfortable play and study areas, but also specialized facilities for meals and daytime rest.### Government Statements and Strategic Significance of the Project

According to Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi, the Ukrainian government, together with regional and local authorities, continues systematic work to protect the education sector. The project is being implemented as part of a large-scale state strategy to adapt the social infrastructure of frontline regions to wartime realities, minimizing risks to the lives and health of children amid shelling threats.

### Contradictory Data

 Despite official statements regarding the launch of the first such facility of this scale specifically in Zaporizhzhia, discussions regarding the primacy of similar initiatives have emerged in the information space. Some regional sources and media outlets previously reported the launch of pilot projects or similar underground educational spaces for preschoolers in the Kharkiv region. However, experts note that the Zaporizhzhia project is one of the largest and most fully equipped specialized complexes with radiation protection.### Context of Educational Reforms in 2026

The opening of underground kindergartens is taking place against the backdrop of a large-scale reform of Ukraine's entire preschool education system. Recall that starting in September 2026, learning English became a mandatory part of the curriculum for children aged five to six years. To date, over 75% of preschool institutions across the country have successfully integrated this language initiative into their educational plans.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [В Запорожье открыли первый подземный детский сад](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/zaporizhzhi-vidkrili-pershiy-pidzemniy-dityachiy-1791042228.html) - Основной источник информации об открытии детсада и заявлении Корецкого.
- [В Украине открыли первый подземный детский сад](https://kp.ua/life/a733570-v-ukraine-otkryli-pervyj-podzemnyj-detskij-sad) - Подтверждение масштабов проекта и параметров укрытия.
- [В Украине открылся первый подземный детский сад: где он находится](https://24tv.ua/education/ru/podzemnye-detskie-sady-v-ukraine-gde-otkrylos-pervoe-uchebnoe-zavedenie_n3138008) - Детали расположения и инклюзивных возможностей.
- [Первый в Украине подземный детский сад начал работу в Харьковской области](https://nikvesti.com/ru/news/public/323493-v-kharkovskoy-oblasti-novost-detskogo-sada) - Использовано для освещения противоречивых данных о первенстве аналогичных проектов.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: How many children can the new underground kindergarten in Zaporizhzhia accommodate?
**A:** The educational institution in a safe space is designed for 115 children, while the anti-radiation shelter itself holds up to 140 people.

### Q: What is the area of the kindergarten's protective shelter?
**A:** The area of the anti-radiation shelter is over 900 square meters.

### Q: Is the kindergarten adapted for children with special needs?
**A:** Yes, the shelter is fully adapted and made accessible for children with special educational needs.