Olha Cherniak is a participant of the Woman of Donetsk Region 2025 contest, nomination "Creator of Changes and Opportunities"
Olha Cherniak is a computer science teacher from Donetsk Oblast who has devoted her life to education, youth development, and community support for over twenty years. In 2025, she was recognized in the TOP-50 of the Global Teacher Prize Ukraine, proving that even in the most difficult conditions of war, Ukrainian teachers remain a pillar of strength for society.
Originally from the small town of Ukrainsk Selidiv in the Ukrainian Selydiv community, she now lives in Dnipro, where she continues to work at the school and implement educational and social projects. Her work goes far beyond the classroom. Olha actively cooperates with the IDP Support Center "SELIDOVO.UA" (Kamianske), the Education Department of the Selydivske City Council, the charitable organization München Hilft Ukraine e.V., Dafna Sharon Maksimov, and the Strength of Unbreakability Foundation. Together with her partners, she organizes mental health trainings for children and teachers in the eastern region, implements art therapy and the Hibuki School program.
In her professional work, she focuses on STEM education, robotics, and media literacy, inspiring students to research and innovate. Cherniak's students win computer science competitions, robotics contests, and are active participants in the international Cisco Networking Academy and Girls STEM programs.
Olha Cherniak is also known as an initiator of environmental education projects. Her online camp "Program Your Ecological Future" in partnership with Zero Waste helped children develop environmental awareness and feel responsible for the future of the planet.
Her life credo is simple: "Those who want to work look for opportunities." And she proves this in practice every day, turning challenges into resources and dreams into effective projects.
Today, Olha Cherniak's story is an example of strength, humanity, and professional dedication. It proves that even in times of war, women in Donetsk region not only preserve but also increase the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural potential of Ukraine.
Read the detailed story of the contestant here: https://surl.li/kufxep