Earlier this week, a ballistic missile struck a medical centre in the city of Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, killing nine people with five others still trapped under the rubble of the destroyed building.

Nearby school, ORT “Aleph” Jewish Gymnasium, was badly damaged, although thankfully no one was seriously injured as the students have been working remotely since war began. However, six people were in the building, including a pregnant teacher who is being treated for shock.

There was significant structural damage to the school building as shrapnel hit the roof, heating system and perimeter fence, while most of the windows were shattered by the blast wave.

Dolina Shalmina, school principal, told us: “Straight after the explosion, all our teachers, students, and parents came to the school and started removing the rubble. They worked almost until night. During the night, the city emergency services welded the heating system and started boarding up the windows with wooden blocks. For now, all the windows are closed with boards. Almost all day there was no electricity, water or internet. In the evening, the electricity resumed. But despite all this horror, we plan to live, work, and continue to teach our children.”

ORT UK has been supporting ORT Ukraine with educational, psychological and financial help since war began in February 2022. As attacks continue and a challenging winter arrives, our Ukrainian community need us more than ever.

Please help us to continue supporting young people in Ukraine and Make a donation | ORT UK

To find out more about funding needs throughout Ukraine, please visit ORT Ukraine Appeal | ORT UK

Thank you for your ongoing support.