Nataliya Limonova shares Ukraine’s story of determination at General Assembly

STEM and Education during War

On Wednesday 23 April, Nataliya Limonova, Chairwoman of the EdTech Ukraine Association, delivered a powerful speech during the EU STEM Coalition General Assembly in The Hague. Addressing STEM leaders, policymakers, and innovators from 25 countries, Limonova shared how STEM and EdTech in Ukraine have become vital instruments for protecting education and rebuilding society amidst the ongoing war.

"STEM is not just about learning anymore; it is about survival and future rebuilding," Limonova emphasized. She illustrated the reality faced by Ukrainian educators, where teachers must check air raid apps each morning to decide whether classes will be held in classrooms or in bomb shelters. Despite the destruction of over 3,800 educational institutions and 1,400 research facilities, the Ukrainian education sector continues to show extraordinary resilience.

Stories of Determination, Not Despair

Limonova highlighted inspiring initiatives such as STEM girls building robotic prosthetics in war-affected regions. These projects exemplify how real-world challenges are being turned into powerful learning experiences, promoting critical thinking and innovation among young Ukrainians.

"This is not a story of despair — it is a story of determination," she stated, moving many participants deeply and reinforcing the urgency to support Ukraine’s educators and learners.

Building on Previous Cooperation

Her address in The Hague built on the momentum of a previous Taskforce meeting in Tallinn, Estonia, where key stakeholders came together to discuss the development of a Ukrainian STEM strategy in a wartime context. During that meeting, the foundations were laid for future cooperation, highlighting the need for targeted support and sustainable international partnerships to safeguard and rebuild Ukraine’s education system.

Strengthening Collaboration

After her inspiring speech there was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between EdTech Ukraine Association and the EU STEM Coalition. This agreement aims to deepen cross-border collaboration, share best practices, and open new opportunities for Ukrainian learners and educators.

Nataliya Limonova’s message was clear: through solidarity, innovation, and resilience, Ukraine’s education system will not only endure but emerge stronger.

_{Published on www.stemcoalition.eu on 27-04-2025}