Sports Hall Insulated in Vinnytsia Region with Support from MHP and the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation

In winter, the temperature in the sports hall at Bratslav Lyceum No. 1 could drop to 10–12°C, making it uncomfortable for children to exercise. To change this, the school took part in the Community Leaders School programme run by MHP and the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation in partnership with Mariupol State University. The lyceum’s initiative, Warmth of Energy — Strength of Sport, received a grant to insulate 537.5 m² of the building’s façade and carry out interior finishing work.

The total cost of the work exceeded UAH 2 million. Of this, UAH 850,000 was provided as a grant by the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation, while Bratslav Lyceum No. 1 contributed UAH 1,207,119.

For the lyceum’s director, Oksana Bilozir, this marks the end of an eight-year wait. The sports hall had long been in need of renovation, but carrying out the work alone had proved difficult.

“Children should be able to do sport in proper conditions. A comfortable sports hall was our dream, and the grant has allowed us to make it a reality. For us, it is also an investment in the future. Nearly 400 students use the hall, and their numbers grow every year. It hosts PE lessons, sports clubs and events for young people and local residents. The renovation was not just something we wanted; it was something we needed.”

The insulation will reduce the building’s heat loss by 35%, keep indoor temperatures more stable and save up to UAH 80,100 a year on heating. The community will be able to redirect these savings to other needs of the school.

“Bratslav Lyceum has shown that change is possible when a community takes the initiative into its own hands, seeking out solutions, resources and partners. The Community Leaders School gives community representatives the knowledge and funding to turn ideas like this one into reality,” said Volodymyr Zabela, Director of the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation. “A high quality of life and opportunities for children and young people are among our key priorities. Our goal is for every town and village to be a place where people want to live, work and help their community grow.”

Warmth of Energy — Strength of Sport was one of 11 winners of the Community Leaders School grant programme run by MHP, the MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation and Mariupol State University. This year, the competition received 323 applications from communities in 13 regions of Ukraine. The programme has a total budget of UAH 10 million, with a focus on youth development, veteran policy and energy efficiency.