The project “Solar Start: an educational course for veterans and IDPs” aims to provide veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs) with the necessary skills in PV plant design and installation. All our participants have unique and challenging life stories, but they share an incredible strength of will and a desire to contribute to Ukraine’s victory and recovery. Today, we would like to share the story of Oleksandr Donchuk, a veteran residing in Berdychiv, Zhytomyr Region.
Oleksandr served in a combat unit, where he faced the most challenging trials, and was discharged due to health reasons. Afterward, he decided to redirect his efforts toward civilian endeavors.
Oleksandr shared his story: “I served in a combat unit, which meant direct contact with the enemy. I saw a lot of human experiences, fear, and more. War brings nothing useful to the world; it only destroys everything, and Ukraine will need to rebuild. Someone will have to do that in the future.”
Despite lacking prior experience in green energy, Oleksandr enrolled in the “Solar Start” educational course. His determination and hard work led to remarkable success on this path. Oleksandr understands that solar energy is not just an economic sector but also an opportunity for Ukraine to become more environmentally friendly and less reliant on imported energy resources.
“We realized back then that, given the number of destroyed cities in Donetsk, Luhansk, and other regions, they would need to be rebuilt anyway. And a field like green energy can be very helpful in this regard. When we were stationed in Kherson, we saw many solar panels on the roofs of farms. During frequent power outages, thanks to solar panels, we could charge our radios and power banks, which allowed our unit to stay connected. Solar energy is such a powerful alternative that doesn’t require significant financial investments,” Oleksandr explains.
Oleksandr, along with the other participants of the “Solar Start” educational course, serves as an example of how one can change their life, even in the most challenging circumstances. Within the project, they not only acquire new skills in green energy but also receive psychological support. Sessions with psychologists help participants overcome the challenges of the learning process and adapt to their experiences and new lives. Additionally, remote learning allows participants to gain new knowledge and skills without leaving their jobs or responsibilities for their children and loved ones.
“I absolutely appreciate the organization of the learning process in this course and the high quality of educational materials. The structured and logical approach to teaching stands out. All topics and materials are presented sequentially, making it easier to understand and absorb the information. Instructors use interesting examples and practical exercises, making the learning process more effective and engaging. For me, this is not just gaining knowledge but also an opportunity to develop skills and expand career horizons. I’m grateful to the RePower Ukraine Charitable Foundation for the opportunity to participate in this educational project and acquire new knowledge,” adds Oleksandr.
We believe in our participants, in their strength of will, determination, and potential to achieve great results. We wish them all inspiration and great success on this journey. May our collective efforts benefit Ukraine and lead to a sustainable green future.
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.
