Inspiring Education: Children of Heroes Complete STEM Course Supported by BMW Ukraine

In July and August 2025, 126 children under the care of the “Children of Heroes” Charity Fund successfully completed an engineering course as part of the Fresh Education 360 STEM Project, made possible by the generous support of BMW Ukraine, part of AWT Bavaria.

The two-month program united students aged 11 to 14, allowing them to explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in a practical and engaging format.

Online sessions were held once a week, lasting 75 minutes. The children were divided into two age groups—11–12 and 13–14 years old—and tackled hands-on challenges in physics, engineering, and mechanics. The learning materials were exclusively common household items, such as cardboard, foil, straws, plastic cups, and other readily available objects. This approach made education both accessible and highly effective.

Throughout the course, participants:

• Developed critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills.
• Learned to collaborate effectively in groups.
• Managed the full process from initial idea to final project implementation.
• Gained an understanding of eco-friendly technologies and the principles of renewable energy.

Young engineers constructed bridges out of pasta, built foil boats, and tested catapults and wind-powered cars. The final phase culminated in the BMW STEM Challenge competition, where children designed model cars: the younger group competed for speed, while the older group focused on endurance. The top three inventors were rewarded with valuable prizes from the partners—electric scooters.

Thanks to this project, the children not only acquired practical knowledge but also gained confidence in their own abilities. Initiatives like this nurture their curiosity, belief in their potential, and a love for science.

“My daughter loves to make things with her own hands. When I told her I signed her up for the STEM course, she initially wasn’t too keen, but as soon as we started preparing for the first session, her interest grew significantly. And after the session, when she successfully made an airplane and a launch system, she was thrilled. She told all her friends about the plane, and everyone wanted to launch it so much that they accidentally broke it during a demonstration. But Kira fixed it all later! So, I thank everyone who organized such fascinating classes for the children. May God return everything to you a hundredfold,” said the mother of one of the program participants.

The “Children of Heroes” Charity Fund sincerely thanks BMW Ukraine for their support of this vital initiative. Projects like this help children who have experienced the profound loss of loved ones to once again dream, learn, and discover a world of opportunities and knowledge.