SupportFourteen-year-old Sofia from Pokrov, Dnipropetrovsk region, impressed the “Faces of the Ukrainian Dream” project with her extraordinary creation—a hand-built tethered model car. This powerful technical model, capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, is the result of months of meticulous work and a deep passion for engineering. Sofia independently manufactured every component of the car: the engine, internal mechanisms, wheels, screws, fiberglass body, and alsodesigned the electrical circuit and completed the painting herself.
Sofia’s interest in model cars began in third grade when she first attended a club. Since then, the workshop has become her favorite place, where she diligently worked after classes and on weekends. Her dedication quickly yielded results: creating her first model and participating in city, regional, and national competitions. By age 13, Sofia earned the title of Candidate for Master of Sports of Ukraine.
“I love model car building,” Sofia shares. “I want to develop my skills, achieve the title of Master of Sports, and represent Ukraine internationally. I want to grow technically to be useful to my country.”
Sofia’s dreams extend far beyond sports and engineering. She envisions a Ukraine of equal opportunities, where everyone has access to quality education, healthcare, and paths to self-realization. “I want everything to be accessible—learning, healthcare, leisure… Every child should have a chance to realize themselves and become a true professional. Our country needs skilled specialists. Developing sports and technical literacy is very important,” she says.
The war brought irreparable loss to Sofia’s family—her father was killed on the frontlines defending Ukraine. Despite this tragedy, Sofia does not stop. She continues to study, train, support her mother, and persistently pursue her goals. Her resilience, determination, and compassion set an example for all of us, proving that even in the most difficult times, children’s dreams can shine brighter than pain, inspiring belief in themselves, in the children of Ukraine, and in the power of every individual to change the country today.
