Lviv, Ukraine – July 9, 2024 – Yesterday marked the official launch of the "Code for Ukraine" program, a transformative 12-month initiative designed to provide students from war-affected and disadvantaged backgrounds with free and comprehensive training in computer science, human-centered design, and project management fundamentals. The program is a collaborative effort between Help Us Help, a Canadian-Ukrainian non-profit organization, and Code.X, an esteemed organization from Silicon Valley providing technology education. The program is supported by the Faculty of Applied Sciences of the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU), and seven students from the faculty are involved as mentors in the program.
"We are thrilled to launch Code for Ukraine at UCU," said Taylor Sihavong, President and Co-Founder of Code.X. "This program is a testament to the resilience and potential of Ukraine's youth, and we are committed to providing them with the tools and knowledge to succeed in the digital age."
From more than 300 interviews, 50 exceptional students aged 14 to 17 were selected to participate in the Code for Ukraine pilot. The program will kick off with an intensive two-week coding and design camp where students will engage in hands-on learning experiences led by expert volunteers from prestigious U.S. universities and leading tech companies. This initial camp sets the foundation for an ongoing educational journey, where students will continue their learning online until the next in-person camp in the winter of 2024/2025. In total, the program lasts one year and consists of three camps.
"The enthusiasm and determination of our selected students is truly inspiring," said Taisa Mysakowec, Senior Program Manager at Help Us Help. "Our goal is to equip them not only with technical skills, but also with the confidence and creativity to innovate and lead in the tech sector."
"We are excited about the potential impact this program can have on the lives of these students," said Sophia Yushchenko, organizer and member of the board of directors of Help Us Help. "Providing access to high-quality education and mentoring will not only enhance their future opportunities, but also empower them to make a positive contribution to their communities."
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About Help Us Help: For thirty years, a dedicated Canadian-Ukrainian charitable organization Help Us Help has demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting disadvantaged children and youth through educational projects in both Ukraine and Canada. Over its operational lifespan, the organization has allocated over $25 million in charitable assistance, benefiting numerous initiatives. These initiatives encompass a diverse range of fields, including humanitarian aid, education, literacy, arts and culture, social work, and the development of civil society.
About Code.X: Code.X is a nonpartisan, nonreligious, Silicon Valley-based educational nonprofit organization that brings expertise to emerging technology markets around the world through education in design, technology, and entrepreneurship.
For more information about the Code for Ukraine program or to schedule an interview with program representatives, please contact us:
Help Us Help
codeforukraine@helpushelp.charity
(English Only) Code.X