UNHCR launches free online courses to empower Ukrainians to repair war-damaged homes and keep them habitable and warm

©Angels of Salvation/Oleksii Hutnyk

Kyiv, Ukraine. In response to the multitude of challenges caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine – including the consequences of Russian attacks on housing and energy security – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is taking steps to empower war-affected people with practical skills to improve their living conditions.

In collaboration with the humanitarian interagency Shelter/NFI Cluster and the Prometheus platform, two online courses have been developed to provide free of charge guidance and information. The courses “Winter Preparation and Energy Conservation” and “Self-Help House Repair Skills” are designed to help people do basic repairs on their own, learn strategies for energy efficiency and apply solutions to their homes to better withstand Ukraine’s harsh winters and improve long-term housing conditions.

In light of the strain on Ukraine’s construction sector and on foreign assistance, which is also impacting the humanitarian response in Ukraine, this initiative provides a cost-effective solution to support war-affected people to take proactive steps themselves.

“These courses are addressing a very clear need across the country. Many Ukrainians are living in war-damaged or cold, energy-inefficient homes, and often lack the possibility to hire professional help. Knowing how to insulate your home, manage heat loss, and carry out simple repairs has become necessary. These skills will empower people to act quickly, prevent further damage, reduce energy consumption, and live in safer, more dignified conditions. We designed this training to be clear, practical, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience,” says Modan Akbarnazim, UNHCR Shelter Officer.

Each course is in