“Today, Ukraine needs a new generation of engineers, technologists, and innovators — people who will create solutions for the country’s recovery, economic development, and stronger security. That is why we are focusing on creating fully equipped STEM spaces with modern equipment, teaching methodologies, and trained educators. It is also extremely important that children not only in large cities, but also in small communities across Ukraine, have access to such opportunities.”
Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine, Oksen Lisovyi
Students from a pilot school of EGAP Program represented Ukraine at the FIRST Championship
A team of school students from the village of Zymne in Volyn Oblast represented Ukraine at the FIRST Championship in Houston — one of the world’s largest international robotics competitions. This was the first participation of a Ukrainian team in a championship of this scale since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Ukraine was represented by the NEVER GIVE UP team from the Zymne Support Lyceum, a pilot school of the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program implemented by East Europe Foundation. In 2023, the school received a modern STEM classroom, robotics equipment, and a 3D printer. Teachers also began systematic training and methodological preparation.
In 2026, the FIRST Championship brought together hundreds of teams from around the world, including participants from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Israel, Turkey, Brazil, China, India, Australia, Switzerland, and other countries.
The NEVER GIVE UP team presented an innovative project called Jet Aqua Machine — a device designed to clean archaeological artefacts without the use of abrasive materials. The students studied more than 10,000 sources, consulted experts, and tested prototypes together with representatives of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.
“We at the Foundation, within the framework of the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, invest in the development of STEM education as a systemic approach to community development and human capital growth. Our goal is to make high-quality technological education accessible to children in small towns and villages, and to create an environment where they can develop engineering thinking, work with modern technologies, and bring their own ideas to life. The story of the team from Zymne shows that Ukrainian communities have world-class potential — if given the right opportunities.”
President of East Europe Foundation, Viktor Liakh.
Support from EGAP Program in the development of STEM education goes beyond providing schools with technical equipment. It also includes teacher training, the development of methodological materials, the delivery of training sessions, and the creation of a hands-on learning environment for robotics and engineering projects. In particular, internal STEM competitions are organised between pilot schools, helping students gain experience before participating in national and international tournaments.
The team’s participation in the championship was made possible with the support of the Swiss-Ukrainian EGAP Program, implemented by East Europe Foundation.