Empowering Vulnerable Girls in STEM - Ukraine

Last time, we shared that within the framework of the “STEM: Pathway to Innovation” competition, implemented by the Blagomay Charity Fund with the support of PJSC “Mondelez Ukraine,” two winning schools received a unique prize: comprehensive renovations of their science classrooms.

Today, we are proud to report that by the end of 2025 all renovation works were successfully completed, and the classrooms were officially opened, welcoming students into modern STEM spaces designed to inspire learning, experimentation, and hope for the future.

Rebuilding Learning Spaces in Times of War

In Ukraine, where the war has disrupted education, damaged infrastructure, and forced millions of children to adapt to constant uncertainty, access to quality learning environments is not guaranteed. STEM education plays a critical role in this context: it equips children with analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technological literacy—competencies essential for rebuilding the country and shaping its future.

By investing in STEM classrooms today, we are ensuring that Ukrainian children can continue learning, dreaming, and innovating—despite air raids, blackouts, and displacement.

A New STEM Classroom in Kyiv Region: From Vision to Reality

At Novopetrivska Gymnasium of the Petrivska Village Council (Kyiv region), a ceremonial opening marked the launch of a fully renovated Physics and Mathematics classroom, created within the “STEM: Pathway to Innovation” project.

The gymnasium became one of the winners of the national competition with its project “Smart Greenhouse,” earning the opportunity to establish a modern STEM classroom that supports interdisciplinary, practice-oriented learning.

As a result of this achievement, the school received a full-scale renovation of the Physics and Mathematics classroom, with works carried out from late June through the end of August. The renovation included:

• installation of a new ceiling and alignment of walls;
• division of the classroom into functional zones using partitions;
• partial replacement of electrical wiring and modern lighting;
• installation of contemporary furniture, new doors, blinds, and multiple types of electrical outlets;
• creation of a concealed storage cabinet for valuable equipment;
• classroom zoning to support teamwork, experiments, and interactive lessons.

In addition, the school received a multifunctional printing and copying device, enabling teachers to prepare and distribute learning materials efficiently. In practice, this was a capital renovation combined with modern technical outfitting.

The classroom was also equipped with new STEM learning tools:

For Mathematics:

• an innovative 3D coordinate system model for visualizing spatial geometry;
• a working trigonometric circle model;
• Pascal’s sphere for demonstrating the laws of hydrostatics.

For Physics:

• an extended electromagnetism kit;
• modern techno-chemical scales;
• a new set of optical lenses;
• additional laboratory kits for hands-on experiments.

This renewed educational space is more than just a renovated classroom. It is an environment where students learn through practice, experimentation, and collaboration, where curiosity is encouraged, and where confidence in one’s abilities grows.

During the opening ceremony, representatives of the local community, teachers, parents, and students expressed heartfelt gratitude to the partners for their support. The new STEM classroom symbolizes not only comfort and quality education, but also belief in the future of Ukrainian children, who can develop their ideas and realize their dreams in Ukraine.

STEM classrooms are an investment in a generation that will rebuild the country through knowledge, technology, and creativity.

Strengthening Science Education in Sumy Region

At the same time, a capital renovation of the Chemistry and Biology classroom was completed at the Trostianets Branch of Lyceum No. 3 of the Trostianets City Council (Sumy region) within the same project.

The upgraded learning space represents another step toward creating a high-quality and accessible environment for studying natural sciences, even in regions close to the frontline. Students can now learn in a modern STEM classroom equipped with:

• new ergonomic furniture;
• specialized laboratory equipment;
• a safe, comfortable, and motivating environment for learning and development.

Expanding Impact Through Modern Laboratory Equipment

Beyond renovations, the “STEM: Pathway to Innovation” competition also provided modern laboratory equipment to other winning schools, strengthening science education across regions.

Lyceum No. 1 of the Trostianets City Council (Sumy region) received a fully updated Biology classroom, including digital and binocular microscopes, sets of micro-preparations, educational models, herbariums, sample collections, and a cardiopulmonary resuscitation training simulator. This equipment allows students to study biology through hands-on practice—working with real samples, observing processes under microscopes, and understanding complex topics through visual learning.

Petrivskyi Lyceum (Kyiv region) received new equipment for Physics and Chemistry classrooms, including a mechanics demonstration kit, laboratory optics sets, instruments for studying dynamics, a dosimeter, demonstration experiments on solubility and metal activity, and a new periodic table. These tools enable students not only to listen to theory, but to conduct experiments, make discoveries, and develop research-based thinking.

Thanks to these opportunities, learning becomes dynamic, engaging, and relevant, and STEM disciplines feel closer to real life.

Empowering Teachers: “STEM in Everyday Life” Competition

Another key activity within the project was the completion of the “STEM in Everyday Life” Best Lesson Competition

The competition united teachers who actively seek innovative teaching approaches and demonstrate to children that science is not abstract formulas, but a practical tool for understanding and improving everyday life.

Key competition results:

• 21 schools participated;
• 32 lesson submissions were received;
• Sumy region: 13 schools, 23 submitted lessons;
• Kyiv region: 8 schools, 9 submitted lessons.

In their submissions, teachers integrated mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, and technology, showing how STEM works in real-life contexts—from optimizing household energy consumption during blackouts to cooking, ecology, and natural phenomena.

This competition focused on:

• supporting proactive and motivated educators;
• promoting modern, interdisciplinary STEM teaching approaches;
• encouraging children to explore, ask questions, and seek solutions.

All participants also joined a series of applied lectures delivered by STEM professionals to strengthen their professional skills and received a one-year subscription to the Mozaik educational platform.

Four winning schools will receive furniture and equipment sets to further develop modern STEM classrooms and increase student engagement.

Winners:

Sumy region:

• 1st place: Lyceum No. 1 of the Trostianets City Council
  STEM lesson: “Mathematics of Survival: Optimizing Family Energy Consumption During Blackouts”
  
  
• 2nd place: Lebedyn Secondary School I–III No. 6
  STEM lesson: “STEM in Urban Improvement: Building an Eco-Friendly Fence Using Mathematical Calculations and QR Technologies”
  
  

Kyiv region:

• 1st place: Ivankiv Lyceum No. 2
  STEM lesson: “Fractions in Everyday Life: Precise Measurements, Culinary Recipes, and Chemical Reactions”
  
  
• 2nd place: Rozvazhiv Lyceum
  STEM lesson: “Precision and Harmony in Nature: The Geometry of Honeycombs”
  
  

Why This Matters for Ukraine Today

In times of war, investing in STEM education means investing in resilience, recovery, and long-term development. It ensures continuity of learning for children, empowers teachers to innovate despite challenges, and inspires young people to choose science, technology, and engineering as tools for rebuilding their country.

STEM education is not only about knowledge—it is about hope, confidence, and the belief that the future can be shaped, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Thank You

This progress would be impossible without the unwavering support of our partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to Mondelez Ukraine for their strategic vision and commitment to Ukrainian children. To our community of donors and benefactors on GlobalGiving: your contributions are building more than classrooms; they are building hope!

You are helping us prove that even in the darkest times, the light of knowledge cannot be extinguished.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

We invite you to continue this journey with us. Your support ensures that every child in Ukraine, regardless of their proximity to the front lines, has the chance to become a scientist, an innovator, and a leader.

Links:

• Publication on the Opening of the STEM Classroom at Novopetrivsk

The year 2025 has been a significant milestone for our project “Empowering Vulnerable Girls in STEM”. Despite the challenges Ukraine continues to face during wartime, we have remained steadfast in our mission: to provide children and young people, especially girls from vulnerable backgrounds, with access to modern educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Through our initiatives, we strive to reduce inequality, strengthen democratic values, and equip the younger generation with the knowledge and skills needed to rebuild and develop Ukraine. This report highlights the progress achieved so far, the inspiring feedback we have received from students and teachers, and the ambitious plans we have for expanding the program across the country.

The Sumy region is among the hardest hit educationally due to relentless Russian shelling. From February 24, 2022, to September 9, 2024, Russian attacks damaged 201 educational institutions, with 10 schools completely destroyed. In 2024 alone, the region endured over 18,000 shelling attacks, which injured more than 50 children and led to mass displacement and severe interruptions in learning. According to recent estimates, students in Sumy missed an average of 39,900 lessons per month between September 2024 and February 2025 because of air raid alarms, evacuations, and power outages. These numbers highlight the urgent need for resilient, safe, and inspiring educational spaces — making STEM classrooms in this region not just a matter of opportunity, but of survival and recovery.

Key Achievements in 20251. Renovation of STEM Classrooms 

• We completed the full renovation of a STEM classroom at Novopetrivska Gymnasium in Kyiv Oblast, which included cosmetic repairs, new furniture, modern laboratory equipment, and essential chemical reagents.
  
  
• In Sumy Oblast, another STEM classroom is currently under renovation, with similar upgrades to ensure that students have access to contemporary learning environments.
  
  
• These classrooms were awarded as a result of our STEM Challenge competition, ensuring that students who demonstrated creativity and innovation now have the tools to continue their educational journey in improved conditions.
  
  

Feedback from children emphasizes how much they value having a modern and inspiring space to learn, while teachers note that these classrooms significantly raise the motivation and engagement of their students.

STEM Challenge 2025

Together with our partner Mondelez Ukraine, we organized the first-ever STEM Challenge across schools in Petriivska (Kyiv Oblast) and Trostianetska (Sumy Oblast) communities.

• Students from grades 7–10 developed their own STEM projects: experiments, prototypes, and scientific research.
  
  
• A total of 9 projects from 8 schools were submitted, demonstrating remarkable creativity and enthusiasm for STEM.
  
  
• Projects were evaluated by an expert jury across five criteria:
  - Innovativeness
  - Educational significance
  - Practical applicability
  - Technical complexity
  - Presentation skills
  
  

Grand Prix Winners:

• “Smart Greenhouse” – Novopetrivska Gymnasium
  
  
• “Eco-friendly Soap for Children” – Trostianets Branch of Lyceum No. 3
  
  

These schools have already started preparations for upgrading their physics and chemistry classrooms, ensuring that their achievements are recognized with tangible educational benefits.

Encouragement Prizes:

• Lyceum No. 1, Trostianets City Council
  
  
• Petriivskyi Lyceum
  
  

This competition not only inspired students but also demonstrated how deeply motivated Ukrainian youth are to explore science and technology as tools for change.

Impact and Feedback

From Teachers:
Teachers expressed gratitude for the new facilities, noting that modern laboratories create more engaging and effective learning environments. They emphasized how updated equipment will enhance the quality of experiments and foster more interactive lessons.

From Students:
Children highlighted how important it is for them to feel part of a modern educational process. Many said that having access to STEM labs motivates them to dream bigger and consider future careers in science, technology, or engineering.

This direct feedback confirms that the project addresses real needs in schools and has a transformative impact on both the learning process and the aspirations of students.

Future Plans

The project is gaining momentum. Beyond classroom renovations and competitions, we are preparing a wide range of activities to expand access to STEM education:

• STEM Challenges – annual competitions to stimulate innovation among schoolchildren.
  
  
• STEM Classrooms – further renovations across different regions.
  
  
• STEM Day Camps – short-term educational camps at schools.
  
  
• STEM Residential Camps – immersive multi-day programs outside schools.
  
  
• STEM Lessons Competition – engaging teachers to share best practices.
  
  
• National Conferences – including events for Girls in ICT Day and Girls in Technology Day.
  
  
• Mentorship Programs – pairing girls with STEM professionals for guidance and support.

Scaling the Project Nationwide

As of today, the project has already established 71 regional branches (multipliers), covering nearly all oblasts of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Odesa, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Khmelnytskyi, Kherson, Ternopil, Rivne, Poltava, Luhansk, Donetsk, Kirovohrad, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zhytomyr, and Volyn.

Our next steps include:

1. Exchange of Educational Methodologies – joint development and sharing of effective educational practices in STEM and leadership.
   
   
2. International Educational Camps – bringing together youth from different countries to promote cultural exchange, global citizenship, and innovation.
   
   
3. Online Platforms – launching knowledge hubs, courses, and digital resources to connect young learners with global STEM opportunities.
   
   

Why This Project Matters

This initiative is more than building classrooms. It is about building confidence, resilience, and vision among Ukrainian youth, especially girls. By investing in STEM, we are investing in the future innovators, scientists, and leaders who will rebuild Ukraine and contribute to global progress.

Teachers and students repeatedly share that this project gives them hope and motivation. In their words, these initiatives prove that “our voices matter, our knowledge matters, and our future matters.”

How the Blagomay Charity Fund Supports STEM in Ukraine

At Blagomay, we are committed to making modern education accessible to every child, regardless of where they live or their social background.

By investing in STEM education, we open up new opportunities, help children discover their passions in science and technology, and shape a new generation that will build Ukraine’s future.

Call to Action

The “Empowering Vulnerable Girls in STEM” project is just gaining momentum, and we need your continued support to scale its impact. Together, we can ensure that more classrooms are modernized, more girls are empowered, and more communities see the transformative power of education.

Your contributions directly translate into opportunities: new equipment, renovated learning spaces, mentorship programs, and nationwide outreach. Let’s build a strong educational community that will lead Ukraine toward recovery and growth.

Thank you for being part of this journey.