Bucha School

We are extremely proud to announce that the Bucha Forest Classroom project has been selected as the winning proposal for the CO-CREATE New European Bauhaus Open Call 2025. Only 8 projects from the whole of Europe were selected under this New European Bauhaus initiative, each receiving a grant of 45,000 euros. Bucha Forest Classroom project aims to create a sustainable outdoor classroom in the Bucha municipality forest, providing a unique space for mental well-being, learning, and environmental education. The initiative addresses the urgent need for additional educational facilities due to the damaged infrastructure and increased number of internally displaced children in Bucha, Ukraine.

Project Objectives

1. Enhance Education Capacity. Development of the outdoor classroom will provide an offline education opportunities for internally displaced children, accommodating 30 children and offering classes and activities for at least 60 children daily.
2. Promote Mental Well-being and Strengthen Community. Foster well-being through a healthy microclimate and use the classroom as a community hub during off-peak hours.
3. Promote Circular Economy Practices in Construction. Showcase low-carbon construction aligned with circular economy principles, reducing waste and the carbon footprint by 70%.
4. Foster Environmental Education and Biodiversity Awareness. Raise awareness about local biodiversity, ecological principles, and sustainability through monthly workshops and nature walks.

Project Consrotium Partners

• Support Fund for Bucha School is the Lead Partner responsible for for project implementation, construction, and launch of operations.
• Restart Ukraine is a design and construction partner, providing technical support, urban and sustainability planning.
• Bucha City Council is responsible for the project coordination, educational program development, local governance, permitting and community engagement.

Project Timeline

• 2025 February-April: Initial planning and stakeholder engagement, finalizing design plans, and obtaining necessary permits.
• 2025 May-August: Construction of the classroom using prefabricated straw panels, installation of utilities, and landscaping.
• 2025 September-October: Designing educational programs, training staff, and officially opening the classroom.
• 2025 November-December: Engaging the community through events and workshops, monitoring progress, and evaluating outcomes.

Expected Impacts

• Educational: Increased access to quality offline education for Bucha children.
• Community: Enhanced well-being and social cohesion through nature-based activities.
• Environmental: Demonstration of low-carbon, circular construction methods and increased biodiversity awareness.
• Social: Strengthened community engagement and inclusivity through co-creation and community events.

Budget

• Total Budget: €68,712.50
• EIT Funding: 65.48%
• Co-Funding: 34.52%

Donation Goal

Bucha City is building a Forest Classroom to provide a safe and calming space for children suffering from war traumatic experiences and being internally displaced. We are seeking donations to support this initiative and ensure its successful implementation.

Special Invitation

Everyone who donates is invited to Bucha on August 24th, Ukraine's Independence Day, to join a community workshop where we’ll install the furniture and prepare the forest classroom—just in time for the school year opening the following week. We are excited to see the Bucha Forest Classroom come to life and make a lasting difference in the lives of children and the local community.