Solar Power for Vulnerable Facilities

Over the past few weeks, Green Cross Switzerland (GCCH) has been receiving an increasing number of requests for support with the installation of solar systems in frontline regions such as Sumy, Kharkiv and Chernihiv. These requests come from medical facilities, schools and kindergartens that often have to cope with power outages lasting up to 19 hours.

We would like to show you how profoundly GCCH’s support can improve conditions in such institutions, using the example of the “Lisova Kazka” (“Forest Fairy Tale”) kindergarten in Chernihiv.

As the war in Ukraine has continued, the need for an independent power supply has become critical. Frequent outages pose a particular challenge for kindergartens like Lisova Kazka, as young children are especially vulnerable to the terrors of war and rely even more than adults on warmth and light. It is essential that they can feel safe.

For this reason, we installed a 50 kW solar power system at Lisova Kazka. Around 250 children aged two to six now benefit from it, together with 30 teachers and 37 other staff members. Dependence on the central grid has been significantly reduced. As long as the grid remains operational, the installed batteries can be charged both via solar power and from the grid. The kindergarten therefore has two ways of bridging power cuts.

Why did GCCH decide to support this particular kindergarten?

The city of Chernihiv is under constant attack. Power outages of up to 12 hours are currently commonplace. The surrounding region is also extremely poor and was deeply affected by the Chernobyl disaster long before the war. It is therefore a key focus of our work.

The kindergarten also provides dedicated care for children with special needs, who are often especially sensitive to the psychological impact of the conflict and are taught in a separate group. Other specialist groups support children with speech disorders. Due to frequent air-raid alerts, the children sometimes have to stay in shelters for several hours. Thanks to the renewable-energy solution, they now face these situations with far less fear.

The building itself was damaged during fighting. With the support of the education authorities and various humanitarian organisations, including GCCH, extensive reconstruction work has been carried out: window replacement, modernisation of the heating system, refurbishment of group rooms, and the creation of shelters and a new playground.

Installing the solar system with battery storage was the next logical step towards energy independence, improved safety and sustainable development. Today, the kindergarten can operate without interruption and provide children with warmth, light, balanced meals and a stable learning environment – even during power outages.

For the kindergarten’s director, Nataliia Prymakova, this solution means “the certainty that even on the hardest days we can continue to be there for our children. Solar energy is a pure source of life – it gives our children light, security and hope.”

In addition, the project helps raise environmental awareness within the community and gives the children an early understanding of the importance of renewable energy.

Given the sharply increasing urgency, we are now seeking to expand this effort and equip further vulnerable facilities in frontline regions with renewable-energy solutions. Especially at Christmas time and in the midst of another harsh winter, the solidarity of philanthropists like you becomes a precious beacon of hope – a genuine gift to the people of Ukraine.