In Maryina Gorka, the SOS Children's Village has embraced green energy by installing solar panels on residential homes to enhance the lives of its residents. This initiative — supported by the GEF Small Grants Program and UNDP — has expanded to five homes, generating a total of 15 kWh of electricity.
The Journey Toward Green Energy
In Maryina Gorka — a small town in Belarus — the SOS Children's Village has embraced green energy to enhance the lives of its residents. This initiative combines caring for the environment with the well-being of children.
The village is a public charity organization dedicated to supporting orphans and children without parental care. For over a decade, the GEF Small Grants Program (SGP) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have partnered with the village to promote green technologies.
Green energy initiatives began when the SOS Children’s Village installed solar panels on the roofs of its residential homes. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, in 2023, 55% of new electrical capacity added to the grid came from solar energy.
The village’s commitment to green energy quickly expanded from one photovoltaic station to five homes outfitted with solar panels. These panels generate a total of 15 kWh of electricity.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The shift to green energy has transformed the village. It is now nearly self-sufficient in electricity. Energy consumption has dropped significantly, with summer usage falling by around 60% and winter by 25-30%. Previously, the village consumed about 7,000 kWh during summer months. Now, that figure has reduced to just 2,500 kWh.
Improvements continue in the village, with an entire lighting system upgraded to energy-efficient LED lights and combined electric and gas-fired water heating systems installed in homes. These upgrades have resulted in annual savings of approximately BYR 2,512 (around US$ 1,200) in electricity, water filtration, and heating costs, easing the financial burden on families.
Moreover, the environmental impact is significant. The solar photovoltaic panels alone are reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 22,500 kilograms each year. This aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote sustainable living.
Educational Initiatives and Social Impact
The SOS Children's Village has integrated green technologies into its educational programs. The village serves as a hands-on learning space for children and visitors. Thanks to the GEF SGP/UNDP partnership, the village has hosted open lessons on physics and energy efficiency. More than 2,000 children have visited to learn how solar panels, wind turbines, and other eco-friendly technologies operate.
The village's investment in green initiatives has resulted in positive social outcomes. Workshops on resource conservation and organic gardening have engaged 155 families. As a result, 20% of these families report saving money on heating and electricity while using home-grown food. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the quality of life for families involved.
Future Plans for Sustainability
Looking ahead, the SOS Children's Village has exciting plans. A new skate park will be built for children and young people using eco-friendly materials. This facility will be part of an ecological trail that runs through the village. It will offer a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy and promote active lifestyles.
The SOS Children's Village in Maryina Gorka stands as an excellent example of how green energy and environmental education can address local economic and social challenges. With support from the GEF SGP/UNDP, the village is not just a sanctuary for children, but also a hub of environmental learning and innovation.
The SOS Children's Village in Belarus is a shining example of the potential of green energy. Through innovative technologies and community engagement, it has created a sustainable environment that benefits both the children it serves and the planet.