Belarus’ SOS-Children's Village Goes Green

In Maryina Gorka, a small town in the Minsk region, the SOS Children's Village has become a place where green technology makes life easier, and caring for the environment goes hand in hand with looking after children.

September 25, 2024
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Solar panels on SOS Children's Village residences.

Photo: UNDP in Belarus

For 10 years, the GEF Small Grants Program (SGP)/United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been helping the village embrace green technologies that not only reduce environmental impact but also inspire environmental awareness among children and youth. 

The SOS Children's Village is a public charity organization that supports orphans, children without parental care, and those in difficult life situations. It creates a safe and caring environment where every child can grow, develop, and receive the necessary support. There are three SOS Children's Villages in Belarus, serving home to children giving a sense of security for the future.

Solar energy as a first step

Маленький домик в саду

The Village began its journey toward energy efficiency by installing solar panels on the roofs of residential homes.

Photo: UNDP in Belarus

When it comes to renewable energy, the first thing that comes to mind is solar power. 

According to the global Solar Energy Industries Association, in 2023, 55% of all new electrical capacity added to the grid came from solar energy.

It is no surprise that the Village began its journey toward energy efficiency by installing solar panels on the roofs of residential homes. What started with plans for a single photovoltaic station quickly expanded, and thanks to the GEF SGP/UNDP, five homes were outfitted with solar panels, generating a total of 15 kWh of electricity.

An unusual wind power generator

Человек, запускающий воздушного змея в парке

This unique wind generator was in the Village's storage house for a long time.

Photo: UNDP in Belarus

A unique wind generator, donated by Danish partners, was another step forward. For a long time, it sat unused in a warehouse—no one knew how to assemble and start it. This changed when the GEF SGP/UNDP team of experts arrived. The engineers who installed the solar panels also helped put together the wind generator. Now, it powers the lighting for two playgrounds, keeping the children’s play areas safe and well-lit in the evenings. All technologies have been thoroughly tested and proven safe for children's health and safety.

Benefits for people and environment 

The shift to green energy has been a game changer. It is now nearly self-sufficient in electricity. During the summer, energy consumption has plummeted by around 60 %, and in winter by 25-30%. Previously, the village consumed around 7,000 kWh during summer months, but that figure has now dropped to just 2,500 kWh.

The improvements are still underway, bringing even more efficiency to the village. The entire lighting system has been upgraded to energy-efficient LED lights and combined electric and gas-fired water heating systems have been installed in homes.

This transformation has resulted in substantial savings. Annual electricity, water filtration, and heating costs have dropped by BYR 2,512 (around US$ 1,200), lightening the financial burden on families.

However, the benefits go far beyond just saving money. These energy-efficient upgrades have made a noticeable impact on the environment. The solar photovoltaic panels alone are reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 22,500 kilograms each year. 

Green education

группа людей, едущих на заднем сиденье велосипеда
Photo: UNDP in Belarus

The SOS Children’s Village has woven green technologies into its educational efforts, turning the village into a hands-on learning space for children and visitors alike. 

Thanks to the GEF SGP/UNDP, the village has hosted open lessons on physics and energy efficiency, as well as themed excursions for children from all over the district. More than 2,000 children have come to see firsthand how solar panels, wind turbines, and other eco-friendly technologies work. 

Social impact of green technologies

The village’s investment in green initiatives has brought more than just environmental benefits—it has also had a positive social impact. For instance, 155 families have participated in workshops on resource conservation and organic gardening. As a result, 20% of these families have started saving money on heating, electricity, and using home-grown food. 

Looking to the future

The village has exciting plans ahead. A new skate park will be built for children and young people, using eco-friendly materials. It will be part of an ecological trail that runs through the village, offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. 

The SOS Children’s Village in Maryina Gorka is an excellent example of how green technologies and environmental education can work together to address local economic and social challenges. Through its partnership with the GEF SGP/UNDP, the village is not just a place of care for children—it is a hub of environmental learning and innovation, contributing to a greener, more inclusive future.