In 2024, more than a thousand units of high-speed network equipment, including routers, switches, Wi-Fi access points, and more, were delivered from the U.S. to educational institutions in Odesa, Poltava, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Dnipro, and Lviv regions.
This project became possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of multiple individuals and organizations, including DataArt. The complex logistics operation lasted almost a year and required meticulous coordination, from collecting and processing equipment in the U.S. to delivery and distribution in Ukraine.
A Collaborative Effort
Vlad Shpilsky, Head of Platforms and Technology and Chief Information Officer at TD Bank Group, coordinated efforts in the U.S. in collaboration with the humanitarian mission Ukraine Friends. The journey began in Lviv, the first point of arrival and a key logistics hub. Thanks to the efforts of the organization "Narodna Samooborona" and the coordination of Valeriy Volkov, Head of DataArt's R&D Center in Lviv, the equipment was swiftly unloaded, sorted, and directed to Dnipro, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Kremenchuk. Our colleagues then handled its distribution among educational institutions, ensuring that students and teachers received the necessary equipment as quickly as possible.
Among the institutions benefiting from this initiative are NTU "Dnipro Polytechnic," KPI named after Igor Sikorsky, Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics (KhNURE), and the National University "Lviv Polytechnic.".
Voices from the Field
We talked to several key participants of the project, here's what they say:
Vlad Shpilsky, currently the Head of Platforms and Technology and Chief Information Officer at TD Bank Group
"Enabling education for children in Ukraine is crucial to ensuring they realize their potential. I am so glad that this dedicated team made a difference and helped those in need. It has been an honor to assist."
Maksym Bastion, the chief coordinator of the talent management program at DataArt
"Supporting Ukraine is an important priority for DataArt. We understand that not everyone today has the opportunity to invest in education, but it is necessary for the future generation. Thanks to our partners in the U.S., we managed to implement this important social project, and we are pleased to be part of this initiative."
Andrii Dereza, Head of DataArt's R&D Center in Dnipro
"The new equipment helps the NTU 'Dnipro Polytechnic' modernize its laboratory to prepare students for CISCO certification and create a reliable, high-speed network infrastructure, which improves the quality of education, expands learning opportunities, and provides students with better preparation for modern IT challenges."
Halus Olena Andriivna, Deputy Dean of FIOT
"Thanks to the installation of uninterrupted Wi-Fi throughout the building, including in the FIOT HUB and shelters, students and teachers can study without interruption even during alarms. This allowed us to successfully conduct lectures by Professor Benjamin Reed from California State University with online streaming for all interested. Now, events regularly occur in the HUB, where students from different corners can participate."
Ilya Kogan, Software Architect & Development Lead at DataArt
"Efficient cross-ocean cooperation with a leading global bank, Vlad Shpilsky, DataArt, and Ukrainian schools to provide broadband internet access to numerous Ukrainian schools, universities, and shelters. Thanks to everyone—happy to participate!"
Mykhailo Klimash, Director of the Educational and Production Center for Network Technologies, Professor
"Lviv Polytechnic has received two deliveries of network equipment. The first set included access network equipment for connecting the Academy of Printing. The second phase consisted of core network server equipment for building the university's second data center (DC) to serve the academic buildings and student campus. The equipment is in good working condition, with an expected 4–5 years lifespan for some units. Lviv Polytechnic expresses its gratitude and looks forward to the third phase of support, which will include server systems for integration into the network core."
Kremenchuk Gymnasium No. 12
"With the installation of an internet access point, teachers can use interactive tools more effectively, such as Kahoot, for reviewing and summarizing knowledge. Now, about 100 students in four classrooms have stable access to the network and can fully engage in educational activities."
A Shared Commitment to Education
Thanks to the DataArt colleagues who played a vital role in the organization and made the project possible: Ilya Kogan, Valeriy Volkov, Andrii Dereza, Mykola Snizhko, Andrii Shklyarov, and Maksym Bastion.
We remain committed to supporting educational institutions, focusing our assistance in regions that most need it. Together, we are helping build a stronger, more connected future for Ukraine’s students.
