Smart and STEM: Shakhtar's educational projects in Kyiv

School No. 232 hosted a football-based English lesson as part of the Shakhtar Smart project. Its goal is to motivate children to learn English by showing the importance of knowing foreign languages in the modern world using the example of football.

The project is a series of lessons for children aged 7 to 8, being conducted in an interactive form using modern teaching methods. The methodology is based on football terminology and its implementation in a game format. The Shakhtar Smart programme also includes learning the basics of proper nutrition, physical education with a coach of the Shakhtar Academy, and a footballer’s visit.

“Early this year, FC Shakhtar launched a big social sports and educational project at the schools of Kyiv. Presently, we work with children from primary and secondary schools – from grade one to grade eight. We are implementing the Shakhtar Smart project for the little ones. This is a series of three lessons: football-based English, proper nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle, as well as physical education with a coach of the Academy and a Shakhtar player. Upon returning from the training camp, the players will start attending physical education classes in schools,” says Inna Khmyzova, Director of Shakhtar Social. “In the spring, when it gets warmer and sports grounds near schools become available, we will begin conducting so-called Parents Days – those are physical education lessons where children will train together with their parents, participate in various sports and entertainment games. We want to make the lessons exciting, to make the children interested in learning English, to show them that a foreign language is necessary in different areas of life. We want to instil in children an understanding of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle from a very young age, doing it in a playful, friendly way. And our PE lesson is essentially an adapted football session involving both boys and girls, regardless of the level of their physical fitness.”

Shakhtar Social is also implementing the Shakhtar STEM project in Kyiv. Schoolchildren aged 9 to 12 learn programming skills using robots. At the end of last year, Shakhtar midfielder Mykhailo Mudryk attended one of those classes.
 
“The STEM project is conducted for students of grades 5 to 8. Last year, it was implemented at just one school, and now it has become possible to expand it and get other schools involved. We are currently working in the schools located in Obolon district where a series of lessons awaits the children,” Inna Khmyzova added.