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Knowledge That Saves Lives

The “Knowledge That Saves Lives” project, run by the Educational Initiatives Foundation, aims to disseminate vital knowledge and skills that help people respond correctly in dangerous and emergency situations. Its goal is to make essential information more accessible and to foster a culture of safety.

The project focuses on raising awareness of risks, developing practical skills, and preparing individuals to take responsible action in situations where such knowledge can be of critical importance.

Chill PRO Students Awards

The Chill PRO Students Awards brought together students from specialized educational institutions for a professional skills competition in the field of refrigeration and climate control technology. Participants completed a series of practical tasks, including the installation of refrigeration systems, the connection of automation components, and the testing, configuration, and commissioning of equipment.

The Educational Initiatives Foundation participated in organizing the competition alongside its partners. Events like this foster the development of students’ practical competencies, introduce them to modern technologies, and help train specialists in line with the current needs of the industry.

Dobranich (Good night)

The “Dobranich” (Goodnight) project was an initiative that helped provide families of displaced persons with Ukrainian-language literature, restoring a simple yet significant tradition to their daily lives: reading together with their children. Thanks to the support of caring individuals, the collection included children’s books, fairy tales, coloring books, educational and developmental materials, as well as works on the history, culture, and traditions of Ukraine.

The collected books were sorted and delivered to the locations where internally displaced families were staying, allowing them to be used in their new environments. The project demonstrated that support extends beyond meeting basic needs; it also encompasses creating opportunities for learning, development, and maintaining a connection to Ukrainian culture. “Dobranich” united people around a simple idea: getting books to places where they are currently needed most.

Amplifiers for DNA Identification

This project aims to support the State Scientific Research Forensic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, which conducts forensic molecular-genetic examinations of individuals who died as a result of the Russian Federation’s armed aggression, facilitating their identification through DNA analysis.

The Foundation contributed by providing the Center with essential laboratory equipment: Veriti Pro 96-well Thermal Cycler HID/PCR systems. This equipment automates and accelerates PCR reactions while helping to minimize the risk of errors during laboratory testing.

Project outcomes:

  • supported the operations of a state laboratory that performs DNA identification of the deceased;
  • provided specialized equipment for conducting PCR analyses;
  • strengthened the technical capabilities of the State Scientific Research Forensic Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine;
  • created conditions for faster molecular-genetic examinations;
  • contributed to the identification of deceased military personnel and civilians.

Hawk Eyes

“Hawk eyes” is a universal tool of complex intelligence consisting of 6 levels: surveillance cameras, commercial drones, industrial copters, tactical “wings”, “strategic wings”, “satellite intelligence”. This approach allows you to plan effective offensive operations and act on prejudice in defense.

  • Magnitude. The area of effective coverage is 960 km2
  • Operativeness. Deploys mobile and stationary control points in 12 hours
  • Coherence. Able to become the “eyes” of any kind of troops
  • Versatility. Takes control of any area of interest
  • LIVE mode. Coordinates military operations of any military branch in live mode
  • Analytics. Instantly analyzes incoming data and generates life-saving solutions

Civil use.

The work of “Hawk Eyes” will continue even after the Victory. Technical equipment of the unit will help in localization and control of natural disasters such as: fires, earthquakes, avalanches and others. Our mobility will come in handy here. We will be able to arrive at the location and, thanks to aerial reconnaissance of various radius, quickly establish control over the territory suffering from the disaster. Our principles

A reasonable approach

We fight with intelligence and technology. This allows us to see one step ahead and have full control over any situation.

Mobility and efficiency

Our mobile autonomous command posts are quickly deployed in any location and provide up-to-date data. This allows you to make quick and effective decisions.

Motivation

The Hawkeyes are patriots whose talents and knowledge bring victory closer every day. We deliberately chose those who understand the value and responsibility of serving their country. Those who will ensure that our air reconnaissance is always at its best.

The Educational Initiatives Foundation is an official partner of the Hawk Eyes air reconnaissance division of the Armed Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

IT EG HUB

An organized platform uniting IT companies around socially significant ESG and CSR initiatives focused on supporting education, culture, and safety.

Project achievements:

  • planted the “Kalyna Alley” (Guelder Rose Alley) in memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders;
  • organized a series of meetings with contemporary Ukrainian writers, artists, and cultural figures as part of the “Love UA: Read in Ukrainian” project;
  • engaged over 100 volunteers in the “Knowledge That Saves Lives” project;
    produced and delivered up to 20,000 thermal blankets for students and teachers to nearly 250 educational institutions and STEM centers;
  • provided support to educational institutions, primarily in frontline and de-occupied areas across 6 regions of Ukraine;
  • secured media support for the nationwide STEM FEST, aimed at promoting STEM education among students, parents, and educators.

Childhood without mines

The Foundation launched a fundraising initiative to procure mine detectors for demining units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine operating in the Kyiv region. This campaign served two vital purposes:

1. To support those who provide aid, thereby minimizing risks to the lives of emergency responders and military personnel. Minelab F3 mine detectors enabled the precise and rapid location of dangerous mines, facilitating prompt demining operations.

2. To protect children from danger by fostering a mine-free world, ensuring a safe childhood for the next generation. The removal of these lethal devices creates an environment where children can play, explore, and grow up without the threat of harm.

UAV for Special Operations Forces

The special significance of UAV reconnaissance wings lies in their ability to be used for dangerous missions, especially those in which a country does not want to risk sacrificing pilots.

As part of the project, 4 Avenger UAVs and equipment for them were acquired. With the help of the Avenger UAVs, the number of Russian projectiles in the Ukrainian sky will decrease every day. For full operation, the UAVs were also equipped with a mobile control station with specialized equipment, multiple batteries with a charging system, and equipment for real-time analysis.

The combat UAV Avenger is not afraid of enemy electronic warfare and can carry out complex missions to destroy enemy targets deep in enemy territory. We sincerely believe that this bird will save many lives and certainly bring us closer to Victory.

“The Skills of the Future” Educational Hub in Cherkasy

In October 2022, the “Skills of the Future” Educational Hub was opened in Cherkasy. It was created by the Educational Initiatives Foundation in collaboration with the STEM Education Training Center of the Cherkasy Regional Institute of Postgraduate Education of Pedagogical Workers, with the support of UNDP Ukraine and Accord Group.

The “Skills of the Future” Educational Hub in Cherkasy was established in response to the challenges faced by the community in the region, including a large number of internally displaced families that require support and assistance, as well as the need for further teacher retraining and the development of their digital competencies.

The educational hub provides access to necessary educational services for teachers, students, and community members, specifically offering opportunities to acquire digital competencies to prepare professionals for the 21st century. It serves as a platform for harmonizing internally displaced individuals within the local community and acts as a dialogue platform, including basic psychological work with the participants.

Within the educational hub, there are the “Digital Studio for Students,” “STEM Academy for Students,” and the “Educational Club for Adults.” It also features an educational co-working space where children can access remote education using the available equipment. The hub’s infrastructure enables systematic training for parents and the preparation and retraining of IT and STEM professionals.

Currently, the educational hub has provided training to over 1200 participants, including 58.4% secondary and vocational school students, 22.4% pedagogical university students, 13% education institution specialists, and 6% adults seeking to acquire new competencies. Among the participants, 60% are internally displaced individuals.

In the future, the trainers of the educational hub may conduct relevant educational work to develop modern professional competencies based on the population’s demand.

The “Skills of the Future” Educational Hub is a digital education center and provider constantly evolving and expanding its formats under the guidance of its trainers.

Cars for Armed Forces of Ukraine

As part of the project, we have purchased, painted, and sent five vehicles to the front line for mobile fire groups to effectively conduct reconnaissance and destroy enemy vehicles.

The mobile groups are used for reconnaissance purposes to adjust artillery fire and destroy enemy vehicle columns.

The project was realized thanks to the support of our reliable partners, donations from concerned individuals, and the active participation of volunteers from the “Educational Initiatives Foundation” led by Nadia Omelchenko and others.

“STEAM 51” in Kryvyi Rih

The Educational Initiatives Foundation helped Gymnasium No. 51 in Kryvyi Rih to secure grant funding and implement the idea of expanding the technical capabilities of their existing STEM center.

The idea was to enhance the center’s capacity in the field of robotics and provide students with the opportunity to build their own STEAM devices, such as measurement, scanning, and data logging instruments, “smart” greenhouses, and more.

The Educational Initiatives Foundation provided project expertise, including guidance on grant application submission and the selection of electronic module kits to ensure an optimal progression for students across different age groups, starting from simple tasks and gradually moving towards more advanced STEM projects.

The funding for the improvements was provided by the National Security and Defense Network “ANTS” as part of the competitive selection process for the Hackathon for Leadership in Local Innovations (HALLI), with support from the National Endowment for Democracy.

Now, the STEM center in Kryvyi Rih has the opportunity to involve students from technical universities in the educational process, conduct informational campaigns for educators in the city and throughout Ukraine to familiarize them with various STEAM equipment options in robotics. It can also create integrated educational projects, workshops, and excursions for students interested in electronics and robotics.

Equipment for medical laboratories

“Together we are strong!” – a charitable initiative aimed at supporting Ukrainian laboratories and hospitals, implemented by the Educational Initiatives Foundation in collaboration with Lablife: medical laboratory supply.

Lablife, together with European partners HUMAN (Germany) and Orphee (Switzerland), has also joined efforts and organized the delivery of humanitarian aid to 10 hospitals in different regions of Ukraine, based on their critical needs.

The shipment of aid that arrived in Ukraine includes laboratory equipment, diagnostic reagents, and consumables produced by HUMAN and Orphee.

A unique aspect of this initiative is the provision of additional consultations and training on the use of the received equipment for the staff of regional laboratories benefiting from the aid. Thus, we not only fulfill the need for medical laboratory equipment but also contribute to the educational process for healthcare professionals.

Specialized training on equipment usage has been conducted in 4 laboratories, namely:

  • Regional Children’s Clinical Hospital, Ternopil – HumaCount 80TS automatic hematology analyzer.
  • Zakarpattia Regional Council “Transcarpathian Antitumor Center”, Uzhhorod – Humalyte Plus 5 electrolyte analyzer.
  • Ohmatdyt, Lviv – Humalyte Plus 5 electrolyte analyzer.
  • Regional Children’s Hospital, Odessa – Humalyte Plus 5 electrolyte analyzer.

2022. Aid for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine

“The Educational Initiatives Foundation, in collaboration with its partners, provided assistance to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Chernihiv region, supplying the following categories of items:

  • Protective gear: helmets, fire-resistant clothing and footwear, fire hoses, and medical kits.
  • Professional equipment: body armor vests, portable radios, and thermal imagers.
  • Early warning systems: software and hardware solutions responsible for the automatic detection and monitoring of fires at an early stage.
  • Special firefighting thermal imager.

    Together with representatives from the Educational Initiatives Foundation, Allo Maramon and Nadiya Omelchenko, a unique telebridge was organized between the emergency rescue units in Chernihiv and the Los Banos Fire Department, California, USA. In a live and sincere conversation, our rescuers shared their experiences, discussed their achievements, and talked about the challenges of working in the conditions of war: the border with the enemy, extensive minefields, constant shelling, and massive destruction that still needs to be cleared.

    Our American colleagues expressed unwavering support and readiness to continue assisting Ukrainian rescuers in the future.”

    Help for animals

    Providing assistance to animals in the conditions of war is a true manifestation of humanity. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the Educational Initiatives Foundation, together with its partners, has been providing food to animal shelters and service dogs working alongside the military.

    The following entities received assistance:

    • Babynetsky Shelter, which takes care of animals evacuated from the front lines in Bachmut, Vovchansk, and Lyman.
    • Shelter for disabled animals in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, operated by Daria Korh, a compassionate individual who transported animals with special needs from the front-line town of Pokrovsk to Cherkasy region.
    • A military special unit responsible for service dogs received approximately 400 kg of food.
    • “Manana” Family Shelter in the Kyiv region. The shelter provides care for over 200 sick and weak animals, including cats, dogs, and two storks who are considered long-standing members of the “community.” The shelter received 460 kg of food.
    • “Best Friends” animal shelter located in Fasova village, Makariv district, Kyiv region (operating in a conflict zone at the time of assistance). The shelter had around 800 dogs and 100 cats in need of food. Through the initiative of the foundation’s volunteers and with the support of Accord Group and partners, approximately 500 kg of food was provided to the shelter.

    Rescue thermal blankets for military personnel

    1000 universal rescue thermal blankets MILITECH were sent to the soldiers to protect them from hypothermia. This charitable initiative was implemented as part of the KSV project “Life-Saving Knowledge” initiated by the Foundation’s partner, It-integrator company, with the aim of informing the Ukrainian population about the important and necessary item of a rescue thermal blanket and protecting Ukrainians from hypothermia.

    It-integrator company also provided 20,000 children’s rescue thermal blankets free of charge to schools, kindergartens, educational centers, and families in the most affected areas.

    About the thermal blankets: The THERMAL BLANKET was developed over 70 years ago for NASA’s needs in the United States. The action of isophilia is based on simple principles of heat engineering. The lightweight silver-colored foil material of the rescue blanket reflects up to 90% of the body’s radiated heat, allowing to avoid hypothermia for a prolonged period of time when other heat sources are inaccessible.

    Modern thermal blankets have a thickness of only 15-20 microns, making them lightweight, flexible, convenient, and easy to use for medical personnel, rescuers, military personnel, as well as an essential element of population protection in emergency situations.

    The weight of the thermal blanket does not exceed 30-80 grams. In the folded state, it practically takes up no space, is moisture-resistant, resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and designed for multiple uses, both for preserving body heat in adverse temperature conditions indoors or outdoors, and for thermal insulation of objects and surfaces.

    Similarly, the rescue blanket will protect you from rain, snow, and wind, including protecting footwear and the face, as the material it is made of is semi-transparent and allows you to see in challenging weather conditions, even if you use it as a tent or cocoon.

    Wi-Fi in shelters

    The “WiFi in Shelters” project was initiated by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The project of deploying/updating the network in 26 educational institutions in Ukraine was implemented with the support of Huawei Ukraine.

    For the first time, higher education institutions were involved in the “WiFi in Shelters” project. To provide network coverage to the university shelters, Huawei Ukraine provided state-of-the-art network equipment, including access points, switches, and power adapters.

    The Wi-Fi 6 network will ensure uninterrupted internet access in educational institutions where stationary and blended learning takes place. Students will have the opportunity to acquire knowledge and stay connected with their families during air alarms.

    Restoration of stained glass windows at the National Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine”

    The Education Initiatives Fund and the Student Parliament of the National Scientific Center “Institute of Biology and Medicine” have jointly raised funds for the restoration of the damaged stained glass panel at the Institute following a rocket attack on the eve of the new year in 2023.

    The explosive blast completely destroyed three panels, while two suffered partial damage to the colored glass and lead connecting elements.

    After an assessment of the damage conducted by experts from the National Research Restoration Center of Ukraine, it was decided to initiate the restoration work using authentic glass and lead soldering.

    Currently, the restoration of these unique works of Ukrainian modernism, the stained glass windows, is underway.

    The initial stage of the restoration includes:

    • Photodocumentation of the problematic (damaged) areas of the stained glass panels.
    • Graphic reproduction and printing of sketches of the stained glass windows (cartoons) in their original scale.
    • Removal of remnants of fragments from the original metal frames.
    • Disassembly, identification, cleaning, and arrangement of fragments to assess the preservation of authentic glass and remnants of lead soldering.
    • Assessment of the integrity of lead connections and design of future reinforcement ribs to enhance the stability of the restored stained glass structures.
    • Transportation of fragments from one panel to the workshop, restoration work, and installation into the original frame.

    The restoration and reconstruction work is ongoing.

    Implemented educational projects 2012 – 2021

    Over the course of 10 years, the Foundation has implemented a series of charitable programs that have shaped the further development of various sectors in Ukraine, such as IT education, entrepreneurial culture, venture investment, youth, and educational policies.

    2020-2021
    STEAM Centers in Kramatorsk and Rubizhne

    The Foundation’s team provided expert support for the project aimed at providing creative students and youth in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as educators who seek to integrate STEAM education principles in their schools, with a platform for development.
    The regional STEAM education centers in Kramatorsk and Rubizhne are creative educational spaces equipped with modern facilities for classes and organization of STEM projects. These centers include sets of educational electronics, a photo-video studio, robotics equipment, 3D modeling, and interdisciplinary laboratory work, including astronomy, biology, geography, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. They also feature an augmented reality system in the form of a holographic projection screen.
    The establishment of regional STEAM education centers was carried out within the United Nations Peacebuilding and Recovery Program, funded by the European Union.

    Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Teachers, students, and youth were involved in the project.

    2020-2021
    Donetsk Regional Competition for Smart Solutions Development “School Tech”

    The competition aimed to select scientific and technical projects focused on creating innovative products – models of smart solutions using “”smart”” devices to modernize educational institutions, with a description of their socio-economic impact.
    The purpose of the competition was to identify and support talented children, engage intellectually and creatively gifted students in scientific research and experimental work, and provide comprehensive support in choosing STEM professions.

    The competition took place in the territory of Donetsk region under the control of the Ukrainian government.
    It was open to students in grades 8-11 from secondary educational institutions.

    April – December 2019
    All-Ukrainian Smart Device Modeling Competition “”STEAM-House”” – 2019

    STEAM House is an event aimed at promoting the development of technological competence, research and creative skills of students, project-based skills, and the overall intellectual potential of Ukraine.
    Smart living is composed of numerous smart devices. Within the competition, students were encouraged to modernize existing devices or develop their own.
    The competition was held in three categories:
    Internet of Things,
    Personal Gadgets,
    Smart City.
    STEAM House

    Ukraine. The competition was open to students aged 12 to 17.

    January – May 2018
    All-Ukrainian Smart Device Modeling Competition “”STEAM-House”” – 2018

    How to conserve drinking water and solar energy, help people with visual impairments, and reduce the risk of landslides. These questions were answered by the finalists of the All-Ukrainian competition “”STEAM-House,”” which took place on May 17, 2018, at the premises of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.
    The organizers divided the competition into two categories: for children aged 12-14 (junior group) and children aged 15-17 (senior group). Approximately 100 project descriptions were received from elementary school students. After reviewing the proposals, the jury selected 10 finalist projects, which were further refined. Participants in the competition included students from Kyiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Horišně Plavni, Zakarpattia, Yuzhnoukrainsk, and Sumy.

    Ukraine. The competition was open to students aged 12 to 17.

    2012 – 2017
    MBA Program in Information Technology Management (MIM-Kyiv Business School)

    A specialized program aimed at managers who want to understand the practical possibilities of modern information technology for enhancing management efficiency.

    Ukraine. Youth aged 25 to 35.

    2012 – 2017
    Interregional Business Platform (MIM-Kyiv Business School)

    Created with the aim of developing the business community and integrating regional business communities into a unified telecommunications space. Based on Cisco TelePresence solutions, the interregional platform now covers central, western, and eastern regions of Ukraine, with venues in Kyiv, Vinnytsia, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk.

    Ukraine. Youth aged 25 to 35.

    2013 – 2016.
    IT Education and Career Guidance Program

    An educational program that allowed high school students and their parents, as well as school administration and teachers, to learn more about IT professions, the stages of education, and success criteria in the IT field.

    Ukraine. Students aged 12 to 17.

    2013 – 2016
    ENTREPREHOLIC Youth!

    A conference for youth on how to develop oneself in our country and various paths of business development. The conference provides answers to questions such as the available paths for youth, their differences, what suits each participant, how to succeed in each path, and the challenges they may encounter.

    Ukraine. Youth aged 14 to 23.

    2012 – 2016
    All-Ukrainian Computer Talent Championship “Golden Byte”

    IT championship among students.
    goldenbyte.org

    Ukraine. Youth aged 17 to 23.

    2012 – 2013
    Kyiv Innovative Projects Competition “Strategi Ya”
    A competition for development projects in Kyiv among youth aged 14 to 23. The competition is a practical implementation of a priority direction in working with students and youth, aiming to introduce modern educational and information technologies, develop participants’ basic skills and research and project activities, enhance their intellectual potential, search for and select talented youth, provide comprehensive support, and improve the system of continuous pre-professional and professional training for students.

    Kyiv. Youth aged 14 to 23.

    2012 – 2013
    Educational Initiatives Foundation – General Education Partner in Kyiv for the International Youth Organization AIESEC

    The goal of the International Youth Organization AIESEC is to develop the necessary professional competencies for future careers and develop the leadership potential of youth.

    Kyiv. Youth aged 14 to 35.

    2012
    International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI)

    One of the most famous programming competitions in the world. IOI winners are undoubtedly among the best young programmers in the world.
    IOI 2012

    Ukraine. Students aged 12 to 17.

    2012
    IParty

    A party that serves as a platform for informal networking among startup founders, investors, and anyone who lives and thinks innovatively.

    Ukraine. Youth aged 23 to 35.