Our Impact in Ukraine.
schoolchildren participated in the Economic Olympiad in Ukraine since 2023
teachers trained in economic education
projects of Ukrainian educators supported
Bendukize Free Market Center (BFMC) – our partner in Ukraine
Bendukidze Free Market Center is a Ukrainian educational and research center founded in 2015 by Kakhа Bendukidze’s friends and supporters. The mission of Bendukidze Free Market Center is to unleash Ukraine’s economic potential through policy recommendations, research, public discussions, and educational and grant programs that ensure Ukrainians’ prosperity, government accountability, and clear and equal rules for everyone.
EFI-Supported Initiatives in Ukraine
BFMC is the implementing partner of EFI’s Teacher Training Program in Ukraine. In addition to this, EFI supports BFMC’s economic education initiatives like the Economics Olympiad in Ukraine, Economic Education Accelerator, and the Economic Education Excellence Award (Stroup–Gwartney Award) for the most accomplished and dedicated educators.
Economics Olympiad in Ukraine
The Economics Olympiad in Ukraine promotes economic literacy and critical thinking among middle and high school students nationwide. Through competitive and educational formats, participants develop their analytical skills, apply economic concepts to real-life challenges, and engage with a community of motivated peers.
Teacher Training Program in Ukraine
As an implementing partner, BFMC delivers EFI’s Teacher Training Program in economic pedagogy, combining a 40-hour training course with a year-long mentoring component. The initiative supports educators in strengthening their subject knowledge, exploring and applying modern teaching approaches, and integrating economic thinking into classroom activities.
Economic Education Excellence Award (Stroup–Gwartney Award) for Educators
Introduced this year, the Stroup–Gwartney Award honors educators who have made a significant contribution to developing economic thinking among Ukrainian youth. The award recognizes long-term impact, innovative educational practices, and commitment to advancing economic literacy in Ukraine.
Ukraine is among Europe’s poorest countries and ranks low on economic freedom globally. Instead of focusing on blame, the Bendukidze Free Market Center took an educational approach – equipping people with practical knowledge about what helps individuals, societies, and countries succeed today. We see Common Sense Economics as a key part of that work.
Nataliya Melnyk, Executive Director, Bendukidze Free Market, Ukraine (adapted quote)
Download Common Sense Economics in Ukrainian
Students, educators, and lifelong learners across Ukraine can now engage with economic principles in a language that feels familiar and accessible.
