Imagine the horror of a child running to a bomb shelter under the sound of air raid sirens. This has been the reality for hundreds of thousands of children across Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

Yet our resilience and determination to protect life and withstand aggression continue to inspire the world. Even in the devastating necessity of building bomb shelters for children, our team at Gurtum Charity Foundation see an opportunity to create something transformative: dual-purpose spaces that feels less like a bunker and more like a creative and artistic environment.

We believe this approach can play an important role in reducing the long-term psychological impact of war on children. By turning spaces of fear into spaces of imagination and growth, we help preserve a sense of childhood, dignity, and hope even in the darkest circumstances.

Our next project is inspired by Japanese culture. We envision creating a space where children from the “Kapitoshka” kindergarten in Kolonshchyna Village can be safe during air raids, while also having the opportunity to play, take part in workshops, watch movies, and enjoy creative activities.

Location: Kolonshchyna Village, Makariv District, Kyiv Region, Ukraine

Capacity: Up to 100 children

Structure:

Fully underground shelter designed in accordance with all safety standards.

The facility consists of a monolithic reinforced concrete structure engineered to withstand heavy loads and provide protection against debris and blast impact.

An additional protective layer is created by 1 meter of compacted soil above the shelter.

Infrastructure Includes:

Ventilation system

Lighting

Essential utilities

Interior design concept:

Exterior design concept:

Current stage:

The concrete block is fully finished.

Exterior Works

🔸 Landscaping the area around the shelter

🔸 Planting greenery and vegetation

🔸 Constructing four playgrounds (each designed for groups of 15–20 children)

🔸 Building two decorated entrance areas leading into the shelter

Interior Works

🔹Child-friendly furniture

🔹 Sleeping cots

🔹 Secure door installation for enhanced safety

🔹 Creation of a comfortable and safe indoor environment

🔹 Decoration

We invite you to join us in our mission to ensure a safe and joyful childhood for children in war-affected areas of Ukraine.

Together, we can transform shelters into spaces of protection, creativity, and hope where childhood is not put on hold, but continues to live, play, and grow even in the most difficult times.

Your support helps us turn concrete into comfort, and fear into moments of light!

Thank you! 💙 💛

Gurtum Team

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5 good reasons to support the Gurtum Charitable Foundation:

🌟 Protecting the children of Ukraine and helping reduce their trauma is a cause worth standing behind

🌟 We have successfully completed over 17 projects with donations exceeding €250,000 and have proven experience and impact

🌟 We collaborate with respected organizations such as UNICEF, Deloitte, the John Cockerill Foundation, and the Ukrainian government to ensure maximum impact

🌟 We put our hearts into everything we do, believing that protecting life and social connections keeps the Ukrainian spirit alive

🌟 The war in Ukraine is a wake-up call for the hero within all of us—especially now, as some of Ukraine’s strongest allies are changing their level of support

PREVIOUS SUCCESSFUL FAIRY-TALE SHELTER PROJECTS:

Shelter in Gostomel for 70 children, finished in 2024 ⬇️

Shelter in Ozera for 200 children, finished in 2025 ⬇️

GURTUM TEAM