Ensuring safe learning environments is a critical component of resilience and community protection, particularly under conditions of ongoing conflict. In Ukraine, where security risks continue to shape everyday life, preventive measures in schools play a vital role in protecting children and maintaining stability. Within this context, the EQUALFORCE project supports national efforts to strengthen school safety through targeted and practical interventions.
As part of the school protection component of EQUALFORCE, the GS-Foundation has handed over 140 sets of walk-through and handheld metal detectors to the Educational Security Service of the National Police of Ukraine. The equipment will be deployed in general secondary education institutions across several regions of the country, strengthening security capacities directly at school level.
The provision of modern technical equipment contributes to the professionalisation of security standards in the educational environment. Walk-through and handheld metal detectors support preventive policing by enabling the early detection of dangerous items and reducing risks before incidents occur, while ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning.
This preventive approach is particularly important in the current security context. Children are naturally curious and may encounter unexploded remnants of war in their surroundings, including hand grenades, cluster munitions and other explosive ordnance. Without recognising the danger, such items may be brought into schools, creating serious risks. Strengthening technical security measures allows these threats to be identified at an early stage and helps prevent severe harm.
The Educational Security Service plays a key role in ensuring safety in schools by combining law-enforcement, preventive and educational functions. Its officers work directly in educational institutions and cooperate closely with school administrations, contributing to a secure and stable learning environment for children, teachers and staff.
Through the EQUALFORCE project, the GS-Foundation supports partners in Ukraine with technical assistance, capacity building and targeted measures that respond to concrete security needs. Strengthening school protection is not only an investment in immediate safety, but also in trust, resilience and the long-term future of Ukrainian society.
Photo credits: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
