Bridge to the Future: IT for schoolchildren of the Kharkiv region

The project of the Software Engineering Department of Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (NURE) is truly unique in its concept, format, and place of implementation, as it is being carried out in the frontline city of Kharkiv.

The project is aimed at supporting schoolchildren from Kharkiv and the surrounding region — an area that lives daily under conditions of constant danger, prolonged air raid alerts, and STUDYING in shelters and schools EQUIPPED IN THE METRO, as well as Inclusive education in Schools. In these challenging circumstances, we are creating a safe, motivating, and development-oriented educational environment where children can study, communicate, work in teams, and grow through play, interaction, and hands-on practice.

The project brings together educational, mentoring, and volunteer components. Its activities include:

1. FREE IT- STUDY GROUPS AND EDUCATIONAL CYCLES FOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

NURE IT Bridge project  (it.nure.ua)

2. INTERACTIVE MASTER CLASSES, WORKSHOPS AND QUIZZES

3. PRESENTATIONS OF SPECIALTY F2 “SOFTWARE ENGINEERING” IN SCHOOLS, SHELTERS AND SCHOOLS EQUIPPED IN THE METRO

4. OPEN DAYS, THEMATIC EDUCATIONAL EVENTS AND HOLIDAY SCHOOLS

5. TEAM-BASED ACTIVITIES THAT SIMULATE REAL-WORLD IT PROCESSES IN AN ACCESSIBLE, GAME-BASED FORMAT

The training is based on the principle of "learning by doing" - through games, project work and live communication. Students not only get acquainted with the basics of programming and IT, but also develop soft skills: communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership and the ability to make decisions in conditions of uncertainty - skills that are extremely important in the realities of war. All activities are conducted by teachers of the Department of Software Engineering of NURE, graduate students and involved experts from leading IT companies. For students, this is a unique opportunity to directly communicate with practitioners, mentors and future teachers, receive support, inspiration and an example of professional development.

We strive not only to teach, but also to motivate students to develop, so we regularly recognize those who show initiative, participate in projects, actively ask questions, and demonstrate interest in the IT field.    

The project helps children:

  • maintain motivation to study during the war;
  • see the future prospects in Ukraine;
  • develop interest in IT and engineering specialties;
  • feel the support of the university and the IT community.

 

We are convinced that investing in the education of children in frontline regions is an investment in the country's recovery. That is why the project is constantly developing, scaling up, and open to cooperation.