The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the National Centre "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine" have signed a memorandum of cooperation. The two organisations will create modern educational projects for Ukrainian schoolchildren in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and will introduce STEM approaches into teaching. The partnership will strengthen the educational side of the Foundation's work with children, including its camps programme. The aim is to give young people in Ukraine more opportunities to learn, carry out research and build their future at home.
What have the two organisations agreed?
The Rinat Akhmetov Foundation and the National Centre "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine" have agreed to work together on educational projects for Ukrainian schoolchildren, with a focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The memorandum was signed by Kseniia Sukhova, Director General of the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, Stanislav Dovhyi, President of the National Centre "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine", and Vasyl Dunets, Acting Director of the Academy. At the meeting, both sides presented their main projects and discussed future areas of cooperation, giving particular attention to educational initiatives for children and young people and to the introduction of modern STEM approaches.
Why does STEM education matter for Ukrainian pupils?
STEM approaches bring subjects together and help pupils apply what they learn in practice. Children research, experiment, look for solutions to real problems and develop skills that are in demand in the modern world.
"We are convinced that supporting young people and giving them a quality education now is a direct investment in the future of our community and of all Ukraine. Through the partnership with the Junior Academy of Sciences we give children something more than ordinary knowledge – practical tools: STEM schools, laboratories, access to the international scientific environment. We want them to experiment, believe in themselves and create their own projects here, at home," said Ms Sukhova.
How does this fit with the Foundation's existing work?
For the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, the agreement is an important step in developing the educational part of its projects. The partnership will combine the Foundation's experience in supporting children and young people with the scientific and educational expertise of the Academy. It will help develop the STEM direction within the programme "Rinat Akhmetov – to Children. Peaceful Rest for the Children of Ukraine", under which the Foundation runs camps. Children and teenagers will have more chances to learn in practice, work on their own projects and become familiar with innovative technologies.
What experience does the Junior Academy of Sciences bring?
The National Centre "Junior Academy of Sciences of Ukraine" is one of the country's leading centres of science education. It has many years of experience working with gifted young people, develops research and educational programmes, and organises science schools and international educational projects. Its partners include leading scientific institutions such as NASA and CERN, as well as international laboratories. Over the years, dozens of world-renowned scientists, among them Nobel laureates, have taken part in the Academy's programmes.
The Academy also holds all-Ukrainian and regional summer science and STEM schools each year for pupils in grades 8 to 11. These combine intensive study with rest and help young people learn practical science, IT, engineering and soft skills. The Academy runs educational programmes and summer schools in Europe as well.
What is the aim of the partnership?
The aim is to create more opportunities for Ukrainian children and young people to study, carry out research, develop their potential and build their future in Ukraine.
