VOICES OF I WILL ASSOCIATION

YOUNG ROBOTICS INVENTOR · AGE 7

Meet Matvey

From a Stranger's LEGO to a Young Robotics Inventor

Age 3

Forced to flee his home when war began

New Beginning

Joined I WILL Robotics Club in Mykolaiv

Young Creator

Built a moving Ice Dragon without instructions

Competition Winner

Earned a place at a citywide robotics competition

When the war began, Matvey was just three years old. His family was forced to leave their home and found shelter with strangers. One day, their hosts brought down an old LEGO set from the attic, left behind by their grown son. It was Matvey's first introduction to LEGO, and the beginning of something extraordinary.

After his family moved to Mykolaiv, I WILL educators met Matvey at a community event. Seeing his excitement and curiosity, they invited him to join the I WILL Robotics Club.

Today, at just seven years old, Matvey is in his second year at I WILL. He independently designed and built a moving Ice Dragon robot without instructions, won his club's qualifying competition, and earned the opportunity to represent I WILL at the citywide World of LEGO Adventures competition.

Today, approximately 80% of our students have been displaced by the war. For children like Matvey, I WILL is more than a place to learn robotics.

It is a place to find friends, discover talents, build confidence, and experience the joy of simply being a child again.

FROM STUDENT TO LEADER

Meet Karina

From I WILL Student to Robotics Coach and Young Leader

2019

Joined I WILL and discovered robotics and programming

CAPTAIN

Became Captain of the I WILL TEAM robotics team

COACH

Helped younger children continue learning during the war

2026

University student and robotics coach

Karina joined I WILL in 2019 as a quiet young student. Through programming, robotics and teamwork, she discovered new interests, developed confidence, and began to see herself as a leader.

Her dedication and growing leadership skills led her to become Captain of the I WILL TEAM robotics team.

When the war disrupted everyday life, Karina helped bring children back together to learn. She organized a small group, sharing her knowledge and helping younger students continue exploring technology and robotics.

Today, Karina is studying Clothing Design and Technology at university, combining her interests in creativity and technology. She also continues giving back to I WILL as a FIRST LEGO League robotics coach, helping the next generation develop the skills and confidence she discovered here.

Karina's journey shows how a young student can grow into a leader who inspires others.

Voices of I WILL

Meet Ivan

From Student to Champion and Mentor
Age 6 Joined I WILL before the robotics club existed
First Robot Discovered LEGO robotics
2026 Champion Part of I WILL TEAM, Champions of Ukraine
Giving Back Teaches younger students

Ivan joined I WILL at just six years old, before the robotics club even existed. When I WILL co-founder Volodymyr Kotov brought the first LEGO robotics sets from Canada, Ivan built his first moving robot and discovered a passion that would grow with him.

Over the years, he progressed from FIRST LEGO League Junior to national robotics competitions, exploring robot design, programming, and engineering. In 2026, he became part of I WILL TEAM, Champions of Ukraine, competing among 25 finalist teams in Kyiv.

Today, at sixteen, Ivan studies architecture and teaches Architecture and Programming in Minecraft to younger children at the very club where his journey began.

From a curious six-year-old to a national champion and mentor, Ivan's story shows what years of opportunity and encouragement can make possible.

Every I WILL journey begins with an opportunity to learn and discover. Over time, that opportunity becomes confidence, purpose, and the courage to inspire others.

This is the lasting impact of I WILL.