The preschool institution in Komunarskyi district, damaged by enemy shelling in October 2024, will once again welcome children starting from 1 September. During the attack, almost 90 windows were blown out and part of the frames damaged by the blast wave.
Thanks to the support of Insulate Ukraine NGO and financial support from Metinvest Group and Zaporizhstal, the premises were restored using an innovative solution – so-called "soft windows."
According to Illia Oleksandrov, the regional representative of the Insulate Ukraine NGO, this technology was developed specifically for front-line cities.
"This technology was developed specifically for cities that are subjected to shelling. It is an option that allows us to replace blown-out or destroyed glass with something safe, transparent and warm. Around the perimeter of the damaged window, we mount a wooden frame, to which transparent PET plastic is attached on both sides. It has UV stabilisation, does not fade in the sun, and thanks to its thickness of 500 microns, it withstands loads and does not break from explosive waves," explained Illia OLEKSANDROV.
Specialists manufactured 17 new and restored 6 damaged frames, with the total area of installed windows exceeding 400 m2. The work was completed within tight deadlines, so the kindergarten would be able to open before the start of the academic year.
Rehina Kharchenko, Secretary of the Zaporizhzhia City Council, emphasised the importance of implementing this technology in the city:
"Our kindergartens are not functioning to their full capacity as they should be. But there are many facilities with damaged windows. We understand that OSB board is a temporary solution, and not always convenient. We thank the NGO and thank Metinvest directly for managing to implement this approach in Zaporizhzhia and for restoring the kindergarten using this innovative technology," noted Rehina KHARCHENKO.
From now on, the kindergarten also has a shelter for 25 children. It is quipped with the necessary rooms, a bathroom, and hygiene areas. So parents can work in the knowledge that their children are safe.
It should be noted that Metinvest Group joined the charitable initiative of the Insulate Ukraine NGO to restore housing and infrastructure in Ukrainian regions affected by the war.
Zaporizhzhia was the first city where the work has begun. The Company funded the installation of almost 2,000 impact-resistant windows in damaged infrastructure facilities.
"Zaporizhzhia is home to Zaporizhstal; the history of the enterprise and the city are linked together. That is why we consider it necessary to support Zaporizhzhia, where thousands of our employees work and live with their families. Installing impact-resistant, reliable windows is one of the corporate social responsibility projects that we are implementing in the region. It is a fast, reliable solution that works to improve the comfort of infrastructure facilities and their safety. Today, window restoration work is already underway at a third educational institution. Overall, we have funded the installation of 2,000 windows made from safe materials at social infrastructure facilities. Bright, comfortable and safe educational spaces where attentive and professional teachers work with children is the basic norm of a healthy society that cares about its future. I am glad that responsible business is involved in ensuring these conditions – this is especially important in wartime," added Taras SHEVCHENKO, acting general director of Zaporizhstal.
For reference, Insulate Ukraine not only developed the "soft windows" technology, but also organised training for volunteer installation workers. Currently, this team works on social infrastructure facilities in the city that were identified jointly with local authorities. At present, window restoration work has been completed at the Zaporizhzhia Gymnasium, located in Shevchenkivskyi district, and at the kindergarten. Work is currently underway at the third facility – the school that was also damaged by strikes.
Impact-resistant windows will become an alternative to OSB boards that are often used for temporary repair of damaged buildings. The innovative material has several advantages. It is safe, manufactured from specially recycled PET plastic without a brittle base, so it does not break from explosive waves or impacts and does not create fragments. The windows have high thermal insulation, transparency similar to conventional double-glazed windows, resistance to temperature fluctuations. They are also easy and quick to install.
As a reminder, 115 kindergartens with shelters are operating in Zaporizhzhia, with over 20 of them operating in extended hours. Additionally, starting from 1 September, 98 schools will provide a mixed education format.
