“I told myself, once I get out, the first thing I’ll do is buy a power bank and a solar battery.”, – shared Liudmyla

As we approach the New Year, we’d like to share another inspiring story from our educational initiative, “Solar Start: an educational course for veterans and IDP”, highlighting the incredible strength of its participants. These stories showcase the unwavering spirit and resilience of Ukrainians facing challenging circumstances.

You can find previous stories about Natalia and Alexander in our ‘News’ section.

Liudmyla’s story is one of courage, resilience, and boundless optimism. Hiding with her daughter in a basement during continuous shelling of Chernihiv City, she faced unimaginable difficulties. Despite the hardships, she managed to find strength not only for herself but also to support those around her.

“On February 24, 2022, I woke up first, waking everyone else; we needed to go to the station to evacuate from the city. But there was no transportation so we couldn’t make it. The city had been under heavy bombing by russian aviation from day one, with shelling from volley fire systems. Our entire family took refuge in the basement. When a rocket hit the neighboring building, we lost power completely. All power banks quickly ran out, and we were left without communication. No one came to us because it was the outskirts of the city under constant shelling. There were almost no food and medicines; the children were very sick. In the basement with us was a little 1.5-month-old child who became seriously ill and could have died, but antibiotics saved her. Honestly, I didn’t know if we would survive… and only on March 23 were we able to be evacuated.”

Seeking refuge from storms and bombardments, Liudmyla understood that having communication was a chance for salvation. However, for this, electricity was crucial. “It’s a pity we didn’t have solar panels back then! We sat without electricity, dreaming of at least one solar panel that would help charge our phones. That’s when I told myself, ‘Once I make it out, the first thing I’ll do is buy a power bank and a solar battery.'”

Faced with the challenge of charging their devices, Liudmyla ingeniously repurposed a broken manual charger and a damaged bicycle in the basement. She crafted a makeshift charging device, using pedals to generate power. This creative solution provided them with the precious communication lifeline they needed:

“In the basement, we needed to charge power banks to stay connected. With a broken manual charger and a damaged bicycle, we improvised: connected the bicycle to the charger, attached wires, and secured everything with bricks… Voila! Our DIY charging device with pedals allowed us to charge phones for 10-15 minutes. It kept us connected and informed about our surroundings.”

Upon reaching Kyiv, Liudmyla took the next step in her journey toward solar energy by applying for the “Solar Start” educational project. For her, this course means not just acquiring new skills but also stepping out of the shadows of war and loss:

“When I applied for this educational project by the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation, I felt it was my big chance! I’m not afraid of learning something new; I’m afraid of being unable to provide for my child. The classes are fascinating and well-organized, and I’m grateful to the instructors who care about us and provide support”, – shared Liudmyla.

In this course, veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs) not only gain knowledge about solar energy but also receive crucial psychological support. This additional aspect helps them navigate the challenges of learning while overcoming the emotional toll of past traumas.

Liudmyla’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and the ability to find determination in the darkest moments. We wish her success and perseverance in her studies, confident that her gradual progress will pave the way for a brighter future. Our charitable foundation stands ready to offer support and assistance in her continued journey!

The “Solar Start: an educational course for veterans and IDP” educational course by the RePower Ukraine foundation is designed for those looking to shift their professional focus toward solar energy. Tailored to the needs of veterans and IDPs, the program opens doors to opportunities in the expanding field of renewable energy, where qualified specialists are increasingly in demand.

This project was created by the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation under the “Support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)” Program in Ukraine with financial support from the British Embassy. The program is implemented by Crown Agents in partnership with International Alert and in cooperation with Crown Agents in Ukraine.

The content of the course information page does not necessarily reflect the views of the British Embassy, Crown Agents, International Alert, or Crown Agents in Ukraine.