Celebrating the launch of BecomingX Ukraine
On May 30th 2024, BecomingX CEO and BecomingX Foundation trustee Paul Gurney helped launch BecomingX Ukraine in Kyiv. BecomingX Ukraine is an innovative online learning platform designed to empower Ukrainians by providing critical skills, knowledge, and personal development tools. Supported by Accenture and Amazon, this platform aims to help Ukrainian adults, educators, parents, and students realise their potential in a time of great adversity.
BecomingX Ukraine is more than just an educational resource - it’s a show of support for a nation that has faced immense challenges. The platform provides free, interactive courses in career guidance, digital skills, and personal development, all delivered in Ukrainian. Whether it’s helping adults re-enter the job market, or supporting students with resources that foster resilience and ambition, BecomingX Ukraine is designed to equip every user with the tools they need to thrive in uncertain times.
A powerful collaboration
The creation of BecomingX Ukraine would not have been possible without the support of Accenture and Amazon, who have generously provided funding, expertise, and content. Additional contributions from AWS, Britannica, CENTURY, and Da Vinci Kids have enriched the platform with free educational resources, IT skills training, and inspiring digital content for users of all ages.
Bear Grylls, BecomingX co-founder and UNITED24 Ambassador, went to Kyiv in 2022 to meet President Zelenskyy as part of the BecomingX brokered film 'War Zone: Bear Grylls meets President Zelensky'. In Bear's words “We’re so proud to have the support of great companies like Accenture and Amazon… We stand firmly behind UNITED24’s education initiative and if BecomingX Ukraine can help bring hope of a brighter future, then it’s something we can all be proud of.”
Filming Ukraine's most inspiring people
One of the most impactful elements of BecomingX Ukraine is its collection of inspiring films, featuring Ukrainian heroes like Andriy Shevchenko, Elina Svitolina, and Wladimir Klitschko. These figures share personal stories of perseverance, resilience, and what it takes to succeed against the odds. By offering a mix of personal development lessons and powerful narratives, BecomingX Ukraine helps users see that they, too, can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Beyond sports stars, BecomingX Ukraine also highlights the stories of military veterans, business leaders, and humanitarians who have contributed to rebuilding and defending Ukraine. These stories serve not only as educational tools but also as beacons of hope for a country fighting for its future.
Addressing urgent educational needs
According to the UN Refugee Agency, over 6 million Ukrainians have been displaced by the war, with the vast majority of children having had their education interrupted. BecomingX Ukraine is addressing this issue head-on by offering resources for educators and parents, including lessons on critical life skills like mental health, perseverance, and effective communication—topics often absent from traditional curricula. By equipping young Ukrainians with these essential tools, the platform aims to create a generation capable of building a brighter future.
The lessons, introduced by Bear Grylls in fluent Ukrainian thanks to Ukrainian voice cloning technology from Respeecher, ensure that the content is accessible to young Ukrainians. Each lesson is tailored to inspire confidence, cultivate ambition, and build the critical thinking skills needed to navigate the challenges of modern life.
Looking towards the future
BecomingX Ukraine is part of a broader commitment by the BecomingX Foundation and BecomingX to foster personal development and success in communities facing adversity. With support from organisations like Accenture and Amazon, the platform is now being licensed to DIIA Education, Ukraine's national education programme to help bring the platform to millions of Ukrainians.
For those looking to support the initiative, BecomingX encourages individuals and organisations to donate to UNITED24’s Education and Science efforts, helping to sustain their vital work and ensure that every Ukrainian has access to the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
We hope that BecomingX Ukraine is viewed as a symbol of resilience and hope, that brings world-class education and personal development resources to a nation determined to rebuild and thrive.
