Each October, young creators across Ukraine unite for the Vladimir’s Cup — a national online competition that celebrates imagination and resilience. Now in its second year, the Cup inspires students to code, animate, and design digital projects that turn ideas into achievement. Winners will be announced on October 23, honoring Vladimir’s legacy and proving that creativity knows no boundaries.
The I Will Robotics Team, fully supported and funded by the I Will Association, proudly won 2nd place at the First LEGO League Ukraine 2025 in Kyiv!
After last year’s first-place triumph, our young innovators once again proved what teamwork, creativity, and mentorship can achieve — building robots, skills, and dreams one challenge at a time.
In May 2025, the I Will Association, together with Leadership Choices (Germany), completed a powerful Resilience and Leadership Coaching Program for teachers across Ukraine. What began as training became a journey of strength and connection — helping educators stay calm, focused, and hopeful in uncertain times. Through shared stories and expert guidance, teachers rediscovered their confidence and community. The I Will Association continues to stand beside those who inspire the next generation — proving there is strength, hope, and heart in every classroom.
In 2025, the I Will Association launched 7 new LEGO® robotics groups for 56 children aged 7–10, giving them the chance to start coding earlier and continue learning without interruption.
On October 23, the I Will Cup – Vladimir’s Youth Competition 2024 united 106 children from 25 Ukrainian towns in a national coding contest inspired by Vladimir Kotov’s legacy.
Students created animations, games, and stories — and families called the event “magical,” saying it showed their kids they are seen and valued.
On October 23, the I Will Association honoured its founder, Vladimir Kotov, by lighting the annual I Will Candle — a tradition that symbolizes knowledge, hope, and kindness. The celebration also marked annually the I Will Cup – Vladimir’s Youth Competition in programming and technology.
In June 2023, the I Will Association proudly upgraded its first computer class in Yuzhnoukrainsk, Ukraine, giving more children access to modern technology and digital learning. The updated space helps students explore coding and creativity, carrying forward Vladimir Kotov’s legacy of opportunity, education, and hope for every child’s brighter future.
The I Will Association proudly celebrates 20 years of bringing hope, learning, and opportunity to children across Ukraine. Since 2002, our donors and volunteers have helped create classrooms, joyful memories, and brighter futures. Join us in looking back at two decades of impact and happiness.
Meet I Will Code School, an independent space where children learn programming, robotics, and engineering through hands-on lessons, teamwork, and creativity.
On March 10, 2017, the I Will Association held the 2nd I Will Programming & Robotics Festival — one of the most successful learning events in our history. Children from across the Mykolaiv region shared their projects, learned from each other, and celebrated technology, teamwork, and creativity in a day full of energy and inspiration.
The I Will Coding and Robotics School is expanding its LEGO® Robotics classroom in Mykolaiv! With new tablets and LEGO® Education kits, more children can now learn coding and robotics through play. The biggest LEGO donation — a full suitcase carried to Ukraine by Tatiana — sparked a new phase of hands-on, creative learning.
During our traditional trip to Ukraine over Christmas, on December 26, 2016 we opened another computer class in Elanets, Nikolaev region. I Will Class number 12!
On September 1, 2016, the I Will Association launched the I Will Programming Virtual School – I Will Code School, connecting children across Ukraine through coding and robotics. What started as a small online idea grew into a vibrant learning community where students create, collaborate, and compete. Explore over 100 student projects on our Facebook page!
In 2016, I Will Robot was born — marking the launch of the I Will Code School! After years of bringing computers to children across Ukraine, I Will set a new path toward robotics, coding, and structured learning. Through teamwork, creativity, and fun projects, students are now building robots and shaping the future together.
On June 1, 2016, the I Will Association proudly opened I Will Computer Class #11 in Pervomaisk, Mykolaiv region. It was a joyful day as my father cut the ribbon for the 11th time! The new classroom gives children access to technology, learning, and opportunity — turning dreams into brighter futures across Ukraine.
On March 4, 2016, the I Will Association held the Information Technologies Competition, bringing together over 20 students from 10 I Will Computer Centres across the Mykolaiv region. Participants showcased their creativity and skills in Graphic Design, Word Processing, Multimedia, and Programming, making the event an inspiring celebration of learning and innovation!
On Christmas Eve, the I Will Association celebrated the joyful opening of I Will Computer Class #10! The evening sparkled with singing, dancing, and children’s art. Thanks to your generosity, more children can now learn coding, create games and animations, and build confidence through technology — a true Christmas gift of learning and hope.
Nadezhda Playground, founded in 2013 at Ted’s School, has become a favorite spot for preschool learning and play. The kindergarten provides a warm, creative environment where children grow and thrive. With new projects underway, we’re proud to keep supporting joy, learning, and happiness for the youngest members of our community.
On May 18, 2015, I Will Computer Class #9 opened at the Arts and Science Center in Snigirevka, Mykolaiv region. The emotional ceremony marked another step toward bringing technology and opportunity to children. With internet access now available, students can explore, learn, and dream — thanks to the generosity of I Will supporters.
In February 2015, I Will Association’s story was featured on Ukrainian TV, where my father shared how I Will helped a young boy named Kirill. The episode aired on February 6, bringing hope that national attention would speed up his long-awaited medical operation.
An amazing Christmas wish came true in Snegirevka village, Mykolaiv region, as the I Will Association opened Computer Class #8. The whole village gathered to celebrate this joyful event, giving children access to computers for the first time. Their smiles and gratitude made it a truly magical Christmas moment of learning and hope.
On November 20, 2014, International Children’s Day, I WILL celebrated the opening of the renovated Nikolaev Children’s Home, welcoming ten orphaned children into warm new living spaces — a milestone made possible by volunteers and Canadian supporters.
I WILL opened a new pre-school learning centre in Nikolaev, dedicated to teacher Ted Gauder and funded by The Pottruff Family Foundation. Fully renovated and equipped with new furniture and supplies, the centre gives young children a strong start in learning and in life.
I WILL repaired the water heater at the Ochakov Children’s Home on July 3, 2014, restoring hot showers for the children — and celebrated with ice cream on a sunny day, turning a repair into a moment of pure happiness.
I WILL donated clothing, books, and a TV to the Elanets Children’s Home on May 28, 2014. The children responded with a joyful concert of thanks — a heartfelt celebration of generosity and care.
I WILL renewed the original 2002 computer class at Nikolaev Orphanage #5 with a new printer, TV, and computer accessories, ensuring children continue to learn with modern technology and up-to-date tools.
Computer classes at the Nikolaev Children’s Home and Orphanage #5 are thriving, with children eager to learn new skills — all made possible through the continued generosity of I WILL supporters.
On December 25, 2013, I WILL brought New Year cheer to the Nikolaev Children’s Home with gift packages for every child and visited the Gnatishin home to plan new projects for 2014 — a heartfelt celebration of hope and giving.
Playground “Nadezhda (Hope)” opened in Nikolaev on September 30, 2013, thanks to The Pottruff Family Foundation and I WILL supporters. With music, balloons, and children’s laughter, the day celebrated love, generosity, and a new space of joy for orphaned children.
With support from I WILL’s friends, a new playground is being built at the Children’s Home in Nikolaev — dedicated to the memory of Nadezhda, whose strength and love for children continue to inspire. Equipment has arrived, and soon the laughter of children will fill the new space.