From tackling math anxiety to building teachers’ digital skills

Maxym is 19. He studies at Izmail State University of Humanities, preparing to become an IT teacher. He says he chose this profession spontaneously—he “just wanted to try something new”—and never regretted it.

In his home region of Bessarabia, there is a shortage of teachers: many have left, and others are hesitant to come because of difficult transport connections to the rest of the Odesa region. Back in 2022, the bridge connecting Izmail with the regional center was destroyed. To get to the city now, you have to cross the border with Moldova. That’s why Maxym decided not to wait for this problem to be solved someday.

From “Math First Aid” to digital education

The project “Math First Aid” began in 2024, when Maxym and three classmates applied to participate in UPSHIFT by UNICEF Ukraine. The team “jumped on the last train.” Although they had no prior experience creating social initiatives, they had a clear goal: help students overcome math anxiety.

“We saw the problems in our region, so we tried to address them. Modern students struggle to perceive mathematical material, and many truly fear this subject. We wanted to change that by working with students in grades 9–11,” Maxym explains.

The team held interactive sessions combining movement exercises, Kahoot, and group work. Over time, students from colleges in other cities joined too. In total, more than 160 young people took part.

“The most valuable thing is when children say after class that math no longer feels scary. That gives us strength to move forward,” says Maxym.

Next step: digital skills for teachers

After completing their project, the team shifted focus to support those who educate others — teachers. With guidance from UPSHIFT mentors Vasyl Nesterenko and Dmytro Zasypka, they attracted investors and continued the initiative. New participants joined, and a digital skills course for teachers in the Izmail district was created.

The team conducted a survey to identify teachers’ needs and built a practical program: from Canva and Mentimeter to artificial intelligence tools such as CRIA, SUNA, and Gamma.

“We wanted to show that technology is not something scary, but a real assistant in a teacher’s daily work,” explains Maxym.

The team held three major events in schools and at the university, as well as a week-long online digital skills course. As a result, over 80% of participants rated the trainings as interesting and useful.

Community growth in youth hands

After two waves of “Math First Aid,” Maxym is not stopping. He now plans a series of school sessions on internet safety and participation in city events. He says the biggest motivation for him and his teammates is people’s genuine interest:

“Even if we influenced just a few students or teachers — that’s already change. That’s how education development starts.”

His dream is simple — to make teaching a respected profession again.

“I want schools to have not just teachers, but true inspirers. So that children see role models in them and understand learning isn’t about memorizing — it’s about discovering the world,” Maxym concludes.