In many ways, she added, every new code writer contributes to the cyber defence of their nation – sometimes directly, often indirectly. “Every story of personal development boosts the story of resilience of the entire nation,” she said. “A nation built on educated, forward-looking young people can be neither silenced nor ignored.”
In Sirje Karis’ view, Code/Zhytomyr is something much more innovative than an ordinary school. “Within it, learning is based on a completely new concept,” she explained. “There are no formal lessons or traditional teachers. Instead, the participants learn independently and in collaboration with their peers. And as the Estonian example shows, it works. The students are motivated, they gain new skills, and those skills open doors to new opportunities.”
Code/Zhytomyr focuses on practical IT education for adults. The first group of nearly 80 students will commence their studies at the Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University in a hybrid format so as to guarantee the continuity of studies in the trying circumstances of the war.
Estonia is contributing to the training of Ukrainian teachers and the implementation of educational innovations in the country by working with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). Among other projects, a bomb shelter for up to 75 people is to be constructed at Zhytomyr’s emergency centre for at-risk children, the cornerstone of which was laid by Sirje Karis. In accordance with Ukrainian law, all institutions dealing with children must have proper bomb shelters. At present, the centre is using an old potato cellar as its shelter. The new bomb shelter is due for completion in early 2026.
