In the midst of war, uncertainty, and prolonged darkness, communities in the Lviv region of Ukraine continue to fight not only for survival, but for the preservation of education, safety, and hope. For several years, families and children in Shchyrets, Hodovytsia, and Sulymiv have endured devastating blackouts caused by repeated attacks on the country’s power infrastructure. In many areas, electricity disappears for 12 to 15 hours every day, especially during the harsh winter months when homes and schools are left without heating, light, or internet access.
For children, these outages mean interrupted learning, emotional distress, and the loss of safe environments where they can continue to grow and dream despite the trauma of war. For families and educators, every blackout deepens uncertainty and isolation. Yet amid these challenges, hope continues to emerge through the Solar Panels for Shchyrets and Hodovytsia Lyceums and Peoples House of Sulymiv project.
This initiative will provide independent solar energy systems to two educational institutions and one cultural community centre in the Lviv region. The project will take place between June and September 2026 under the leadership of Site Director Halyna Bardahk. More than an infrastructure investment, this project represents resilience, dignity, and protection for communities living under the daily reality of war.
The selected institutions are among the most important educational and cultural centres in their communities. Their continued operation plays a critical role in preserving educational opportunities, emotional stability, and community connection. Through the installation of solar panels and battery systems, these buildings will become reliable places of refuge where children can continue learning and families can gather safely during prolonged electricity or heating outages.
The solar systems have been carefully designed according to the needs of each facility. Shchyrets Lyceum and Hodovytsia Lyceum will each receive 34 solar panels capable of producing approximately 15.47 kW of peak power, supported by 30 kWh battery systems expected to provide up to 10 hours of energy autonomy during outages. These installations are expected to generate approximately 14,820 kWh annually and cover up to 70% of winter electricity demand.
The Sulymiv Community Centre will receive a smaller but critically important solar installation with 12 solar modules producing approximately 5.46 kW of peak power and supported by battery storage capable of providing approximately eight hours of autonomy during outages. Even during cloudy winter periods, the system is designed to continue supporting essential community functions.
Through this project, 1,179 direct beneficiaries—including 232 sponsored children and 947 non-sponsored community members—will receive support and protection during a time of profound uncertainty. Behind every number is a child trying to continue their education despite war, a teacher striving to maintain normalcy, and a family searching for warmth and stability.
Long-term sustainability has also been carefully considered. After installation, responsibility for the operation and protection of the systems will be fully assumed by the administration of the facilities, ensuring local ownership and continued maintenance. Electrical engineer supervision has also been incorporated into the implementation process to guarantee safety, quality, and warranty compliance.
Despite careful planning, the urgency of this project remains profound. Operational risks continue to be high due to the ongoing war, and rising costs for solar equipment and installation remain a concern. Without continued support, these communities could remain vulnerable to darkness, interrupted education, and the loss of safe gathering spaces during emergencies.
Yet even in the face of conflict, hope continues to shine. Through this initiative, Chalice’s mission—to bring Christ to the poor and the poor to Christ—is becoming visible in a powerful and lasting way. Your support is not simply funding solar panels; it is helping preserve education, protect vulnerable families, and restore hope to communities determined to endure.
Program Location: Lviv Site, Ukraine
Program Code: CP-ULL0326
Budget in Canadian Funds: $110,742.48 CAD
DONATEPlease note that any donations that exceed the request will be used to fund other community projects that may arise.