Piraeus Bank, in partnership with IT company SoftServe, the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation Minveteraniv, the “Veteranka” movement, and the recruiting platform Lobby X, has joined the launch of a new educational course, “Python Fundamentals.” The program is free and designed specifically for veterans, active military personnel, and their family members.

The course will start on June 24 and run for 8 weeks. Participants will learn to work with basic Python structures, version control systems like Git, build web applications with Flask, and gain an understanding of object-oriented programming and more. This foundation will help participants further develop in web development and Data Science.

As a partner of the initiative, Piraeus Bank will award 20 scholarships of 10,000 UAH each to the top graduates for further IT education.

"We are proud to join the EmpowerU program and support Ukrainian veterans in their journey toward new career opportunities in IT. Tech education offers not just financial independence, but also the flexibility to work in formats that are especially valuable in today’s conditions. By providing grants for further learning, we’re investing in those who have already made and continue to make an invaluable contribution to our safety and future," — said Iryna Stakhurska, Member of the Management Board at Piraeus Bank.

This is already the fourth intake for the Python Fundamentals course as part of the global EmpowerU program, which spans Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, Mexico, and Colombia. The key mission is to offer equal opportunities to anyone who wants to learn IT from scratch.

“The EmpowerU program is already showing great results — some graduates of previous courses have even landed jobs at SoftServe. This time, for the first time, we are offering further education grants thanks to Piraeus Bank. Our comprehensive partnership model not only ensures quality education, but also full-cycle support — from training to financing future growth. That’s the real power of collaboration: when each ecosystem player contributes uniquely to a common goal,” — commented Vadym Shumeiko, CSR Projects Lead at SoftServe Ukraine.

“Access to quality courses and programs is vital support that opens up a path to a decent civilian future for veterans. Thanks to this ongoing initiative by SoftServe and its partners, our defenders and their families can explore complex IT fields from scratch and build meaningful careers. This fourth course is not just about learning a programming language — it’s the first step into web development and Data Science. We are grateful to new partners and inspired by every veteran who chooses to grow and learn,”
— noted Anastasiia Rashchenko, Deputy Executive Director at the Ukrainian Veterans Foundation.

“For many of our sisters-in-arms, the war is not over. Veteran women not only defend the country, but also build its future. Having access to education is the first step toward reclaiming oneself. Learning is not just about gaining a profession — it’s about self-confidence and feeling seen and supported by society. These projects are about more than adaptation — together with our partners, we’re showing through action that veteran women are ready to shape meaning, change the game, and enter new professions empowered and strong,” — said Kateryna Pryimak, veteran and head of the “Veteranka” movement.

The course is based on years of experience from the SoftServe Academy and offers access to extra resources, a community of like-minded individuals, soft skills development, and mentor support.

Classes will be held online twice a week — on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. — by experienced SoftServe mentors. They will cover theory, review practical exercises, and assign homework. Sessions will also be available as recordings.

To register, fill out the form via this link:
🔗 https://veteranfund.com.ua/reiestratsiia-na-navchannia-python/
📅 Application deadline: June 18

The number of spots is limited. After registration, applicants must complete a short test on programming basics and create a Discord account. Participants who complete the course will receive certificates.

“Python Fundamentals” is the fifth course implemented in Ukraine under the SoftServe EmpowerU global program, launched in April 2023. The goal of EmpowerU is to provide equal opportunities to anyone who wants to learn and pursue a career in IT.