Restoring Safe Water for Children in Ukraine

In a war-affected frontline village of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, children are once again turning on taps, washing their hands, and drinking clean water at school.

For the first time in years, water flows reliably through the building.

With funding from the European Union, Medair has restored access to safe water through a rehabilitated system, ensuring that pupils and teachers can rely on clean, running water every day.

A long-standing problem made worse by the war

The absence of water in this village did not begin with the war.

For years, the system had been failing. Ageing infrastructure, leaking storage, and deteriorating connections meant that water could no longer be supplied reliably. Over time, the system stopped working altogether.

At the primary school of this frontline village of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the consequences were immediate.

“We had no running water at all,” says Olena, the school director. “It was a huge problem. We could not cook, clean, or ensure proper hygiene for the children.”

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Without water, daily routines broke down. Children could not wash their hands before eating. Preparing meals became difficult. Maintaining a clean learning environment required constant improvisation.

When the wider crisis intensified through the war, these challenges became even harder to manage. If the community has to shelter during attacks for an unknown amount of time, it is essential that safe water is immediately available in sufficient quantities.

“At least now, one big problem is solved,” Olena reflects.

Rebuilding a system that had stopped working

With support from the European Union, Medair worked alongside Vodokanals, the local water supply authorities, and local contractors, to restore a functioning water supply for the community.

The focus was not on a temporary solution, but on repairing and upgrading what already existed.

Standing beside the restored tank next to the school, Medair’s WASH Officer Anton proudly explains:

“The tank was not working anymore. We repaired it, reconnected the system, and installed the necessary pipes. After testing everything carefully, we filled it with drinking water that can now be distributed to the whole village, 1,187 individuals, including the members of this school.”

The local contractors reinforced the structure to ensure durability.

“When there is no water, it is very bad,” says Dmytro, one of the workers involved. “It is meaningful to bring water where people have gone without it for so long.”

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Clean water changes everyday life

The impact is immediate.

Pupils gather around the school’s handwashing station, laughing as they take turns rinsing their hands. Inside, water is now available for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

“I like maths the most,” says Ihor, a pupil in Year 4. “But washing hands is also important. If your hands are dirty, you can get sick.”

Next to him, Anastasiia, Ihor’s classmate, fills a cup from the tap.

“The water is good. I like it,” she says. “Without water, we could not drink or wash our hands. People can even die without water.”

For the children, this is not abstract. It shapes how they experience school every day.

Restoring dignity, not just infrastructure

For Olena, the change goes beyond functionality.

“We were so happy when we heard that water would be provided,” she says. “Now we can drink, cook, clean, and wash. It has changed everything.”

There is also a sense of disbelief.

“For a long time, people could not imagine that this would really happen. Others have made promises before but never delivered. But not you. Now we can see that it works.”

In a place where systems have failed over time, restoring water is about more than infrastructure. It rebuilds trust, hope and creates stability in an otherwise uncertain environment.

A foundation for the future

Across Ukraine, many communities still face similar challenges. According to the latest UN Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, approximately 6.43 million people in Ukraine require water assistance in 2026. In areas closer to the frontline in particular, water, heating and energy supply infrastructure has been severely damaged by war or has simply deteriorated over time due to limited resources for routine repairs. Access to safe water remains critical and can be life-threatening.

Back in the classroom, lessons continue.

Anastasiia, Ihor and their classmates can now focus on their studies, safe in the knowledge that they have access to clean drinking water close to their desks.

It may sound simple. But it was not possible before.

“Our future depends on the children,” Olena says. “They will rebuild this country.”

Now, with water flowing again, the school is no longer defined by what it lacks.

Instead, it is a place where children can learn with dignity. Supported by something as fundamental as safe, reliable water.

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This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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