Ucom and SunChild NGO Install a Solar Plant in Alaverdi Kindergarten

The last stop in the 2024 cooperation between SunChild NGO and Ucom is Alaverdi. A solar plant has been installed on the roof of a kindergarten in the city’s Sanahin-Kayaran district to contribute to the sustainability of the kindergarten’s work.

A solar plant with a rated capacity of 10.44 kWh has been installed on the kindergarten. According to previous years’ figures, the kindergarten consumes about 5,000 kWh of energy annually, while the new solar plant will enable it to produce more than 13,000 kWh of energy annually. The excess electricity generated will later be used to offset heating costs and power nearby community facilities. One example is the upcoming cultural center on the second floor of the same building, which will be a place for the community's youth to visit various groups, visit the library, and have fun.

"This year, in cooperation with SunChild, we have installed solar panels for several kindergartens in different communities, and I am sure that this is a very important and good investment in the future of these communities. And it is not just about saving electricity or saving the budget, but also about creating the best and most stable environment for children so that they can grow up and develop in better conditions, surrounded by care," said Ralph Yirikian, General Director of Ucom.

"The devastating flood of 2024 posed a serious challenge to the Alaverdi community, which should further motivate all parties implementing community development initiatives to seek natural solutions in order to incorporate them into all future activities. We are hopeful that the solar station in the Sanahin-Kayaran district will be another step in the formation of a sustainable community," said Sona Kalantaryan, Director of SunChild NGO.

This kindergarten in the Sanahin-Kayaran district is designed for 60 children, but in the future, when fully renovated, it will be able to accept more than 100 children.

The bridge leading to the Sanahin-Kayaran district of Alaverdi completely collapsed this spring as a result of the river flooding, making the installation of the solar plant impossible for months. As a result of the partial renovation of the bridge, it was possible to complete the work by the end of the year, giving the district kindergarten the opportunity to save financial resources from 2025 and direct them to other goals for the development of the kindergarten.