It is a true honour to join you today at the opening of Code Zhytomyr.
Here and now, we are launching a new school that is not like any other school – it is something much more innovative. Here, learning is based on a new concept: there are no formal classes and no traditional teachers. Instead, learning happens through self-direction and collaboration with peers. And yet, as the Estonian example has shown, it works. Students are motivated, they gain new skills, and those skills open doors to new opportunities. When we are opening this school, we are not opening just a building, we are opening a community.
The first key word is independence. In today’s world, IT skills is the key to freedom, creativity, and resilience. They strengthen both individuals and entire nations.
I am especially glad to see that so many women are part of this very first class of Code Zhytomyr. Your participation is essential – not only for equality, but also because diversity makes innovation stronger.
The second key word is defence.
In many ways, every new coder contributes to the nation’s cyber defence — sometimes directly, often indirectly. Every story of personal growth strengthens the national story of resilience. A nation built on educated and forward-looking young people cannot be silenced or ignored.
In Estonia, our tech entrepreneurs often remind us that knowledge and innovation are among our greatest assets of soft power. This is why our country is proud to be the birthplace of global successes like Skype, Bolt, and Wise.
I am grateful to everyone who has committed their time and energy in making Code Zhytomyr come alive.
I wish you inspiration, stamina, and success as you begin this journey. May Code Zhytomyr become a place where creative ideas are born, shared skills are sharpened, and promising futures are built. Thank you!
