The beginning of school life marks a momentous day for young hearts. New acquaintances, new knowledge, a new world. Parents are no less anxious as they watch their little prodigies cross the school threshold for the first time. All of this creates a special atmosphere – one that begs to be made even warmer.
For the thirteenth consecutive year, Metinvest has supported its employees during this pivotal family milestone through the corporate programme “First Time – First Grade,” helping to ensure a warm and caring start to school life for their children. This year, all of Metinvest’s first-graders also received vibrant stationery kits from the company. They contain everything needed for a successful start in the world of knowledge: Diaries, notebooks with folders, pens, pencils, brushes, paints, and more.
The “First Time – First Grade” programme extends beyond Metinvest’s Ukrainian enterprises: employees at Promet Steel in Bulgaria, Spartan UK in the United Kingdom, and the Italian plants Ferriera Valsider and Metinvest Trametal also receive support in preparing their children for the world of learning.
This year, a total of 1,529 first-graders received educational gifts from Metinvest. Among them are sisters Masha and Ksyusha—the daughters of Dmytro Korkh, a maintenance fitter at Kamet-Steel blast furnace shop.
“I want to go to school so I can learn to write as soon as possible. I’ll write neatly in these beautiful notebooks. When I grow up, I’ll become a hairdresser so I can help people look beautiful too,” says Masha.
The second child in the family of Maryna Pelkevych, a crane operator at Kamet-Steel’s RTD repair shop went to school this year.
“My elder son is already in seventh grade. We are deeply proud of our children, and at the same time we recognise just how much is needed to ensure their school years are successful. Sincere thanks to Metinvest for its support. It is heartening that this cherished tradition endures, allowing both parents and children to feel the continued support of the company and the enterprise."
The second child in the family of Maryna PELKEVYCH, a crane operator at Kamet-Steel’s RTD repair shop went to school this year.
“My elder son is already in seventh grade. We are deeply proud of our children, and at the same time we recognise just how much is needed to ensure their school years are successful. Sincere thanks to Metinvest for its support. It is heartening that this cherished tradition endures, allowing both parents and children to feel the continued support of the company and the enterprise."
The importance of such support is also underscored by Olesya ANTROPOVA, a senior engineer for energy resource accounting at the integrated power shop of "ZAPOROZHOGNEUPOR":
“For our family, this gift was both a pleasant bonus and a tangible support ahead of the new school year. Our child was thrilled – eager to pack the backpack and start getting ready for school. It is especially meaningful to feel that the enterprise cares for its employees and their families – even in such challenging times."
Among the fathers of Metinvest’s first-graders is Oleksii Kareltsev from Mining and Transport Shop-2 at Northern Iron Ore. His daughter Veronika will be the third schoolchild in the family. Veronika’s elder sisters already attend school.
"I liked everything very much,” says Veronika. "I love drawing, and these paints and pencils are really nice. The diary, the pens as well... I looked through everything – it’s all very beautiful and delicate. I divided the notebooks: kept some for myself and gave the rest to my sisters so they, too, would have a gift."
In anticipation of new experiences and friendships is the daughter of Ihor Matsyhura, an employee of Northern Iron Ore.
"Our daughter is starting first grade, and now we’ll have two schoolchildren in the family. Five years ago, when our eldest son started school, he also received a supply kit and a backpack from the company. Now it’s a celebration for our daughter too," says Ihor MATSYHURA, chief electronics engineer at Northern Iron Ore Automation Department. "Vladyslava loves to draw, so she immediately focused on the paints and pencils. Overall, the quality of the supplies, as always, is excellent. This support is essential, as the cost of preparing for school rises every year – so many things are needed, and our family truly appreciates the company’s help.”
“We are fully prepared for first grade – even memorised a poem. I have two schoolchildren: The elder one is entering eighth grade, while the younger is just beginning his school journey. The gifted set was most welcome, and my son is eagerly awaiting his mother to bring the present home," says Valeria ONOFRIICHUK, senior HR specialist at ZCMW.
This year, the Ustymenko family will be celebrating Knowledge Day. Yurii Ustymenko, a station duty officer at the Railway Shop at Ingulets Iron Ore, is witnessing his son Nazar embark on a significant new chapter in life.
"It is heartening to see that the plant continues to remember the children of its employees," says Yurii. "In such difficult times, with the war still ongoing, this gesture offers meaningful support – both to families and to children who, despite everything, eagerly await the Day of Knowledge. May this academic year be a peaceful one for the children!"
Metinvest Group warmly congratulates all first-graders as they embark on their school journey. May each day at school be filled with discoveries, smiles, and good friends. We believe in your talents and support your first steps in learning. Grow curious, courageous, and joyful!
