Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth students gained new experience in the “Iron Shift” project
March 13, 2026
Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth students participated in a range of educational sessions, trainings, and excursions as part of Ukrzaliznytsia’s “Iron Shift” project, gaining deeper insight into today’s world of careers, business, and civic activity.
As shared by Taisiia Sukhitska, a Junior Diplomatic Academy student and participant of the “Iron Shift” program, one of the most memorable experiences was a visit to Coffeeton. There, students explored how a business operates from within — learning about the office structure, logistics, and the work of the marketing team. A particularly lively part of the visit was the introduction to coffee production, where participants learned about different coffee bean varieties, processing techniques, and the journey from bean to beverage. An interactive aroma recognition challenge turned the experience into an engaging and dynamic activity.
According to Tymofii Bilenko, also a Junior Diplomatic Academy student and Iron Shift participant, the career orientation session was equally impactful. It encouraged students to think about their future paths and even design professions of the future that could address global challenges. One team, for instance, created the concept of a “spiritual-digital planetary protection architect” and presented the idea of a PlanetCare AI app that would track the Earth’s ecological condition in real time.
he program continued with career orientation trainings at the Youth Residence, where participants explored different tools for understanding their professional interests. These included the Holland career test, the Big Five personality model, and other modern approaches to self-awareness. Students discussed how the job market may change over the next 15 years and the impact of technology on future professions.
Another key focus was social entrepreneurship — a model that combines business with solving social and environmental challenges. Working in teams, participants created their own project concepts. One example was EcoPaint — an initiative centered on eco-friendly paints that contribute to environmental protection while operating as a business.
As noted by Alisa Karpenko, a Junior Diplomatic Academy student and Iron Shift participant, discovering the city of Chernivtsi was a meaningful part of the program. During the guided tour, students explored its history, architecture, and cultural heritage. The city left a strong impression as a place where diverse cultures and traditions blend naturally with a dynamic student environment.
Taking part in the Iron Shift program allows students of the Kyiv Palace of Children and Youth to expand their worldview, strengthen teamwork and critical thinking, and, most importantly, begin shaping their own professional paths. The project demonstrates that education can extend far beyond the classroom — transforming into a real-life experience that builds active, responsible, and forward-thinking young people.
We are grateful to the “Iron Shift” project for this unique opportunity!
