SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS

In 2022, Sonnedix funded three grants for the Science in Schools programme run by the Royal Institution, London.

Their Science in Schools programme brings one of their trained presenters to schools for the day, to deliver: two performances of a chosen science show to school groups, a continuous professional development session for the teachers and a twilight community show, where parents, carers and siblings can also attend out of school hours.

Sonnedix had the opportunity to provide three grants so that three schools, who ordinarily would be unable to afford the experience, can receive the science programme. Specifically, we funded an energy-specific programme called ‘We’ve got the power’, which explores the chemistry of fossil fuels, particularly the production of CO2; the history of our understanding of CO2’s effect on the climate; and the physics and chemistry of storing electricity.

Solar power also features as it focuses on what we could do instead to fulfil our energy needs in the future.

Give It Up For Ukraine

When the war in Ukraine broke out, Sonnedix came together to think about how we could best support Ukrainian people in their time of need. During this time, we supported three organisations in Poland who directly helped Ukrainian refugees: Fundacja

Świętego Mikołaja, Ośrodek Rozwoju Edukacji and SOS Wioski Dziecięce.

Under Fundacja Świętego Mikołaja (The Saint Nicholas Foundation), two separate initiatives were supported. The first was an initiative to provide backpacks for child refugees, as part of the foundation’s focus on supporting children in their education and development. Sonnedix provided the funds for 1,500 backpacks filled with essentials and snacks, as well as books and other activities. The second initiative was supporting their care centres which provide educational breaks and relief for Ukrainian children. Our donation has funded 35 days of camps for children to receive psychological respite through therapeutic camps, travel excursions and even a two-week canoeing camp for aspiring canoeists. These camps will have a lasting impact on 62 Ukrainian children.

The second organisation we supported, Ośrodek Rozwoju Edukacji (the Centre for the Development of Education), received refugees from Ukraine and housed them at the training centre. Their most pressing need was the provision of food for the refugees. To meet this need, Sonnedix purchased an array of fresh groceries, weighing in at around 1,000kg, including: juice, fruits, vegetables, meats, sweets and dairy products, which were donated to the centre.

Finally, through the funds raised in the Sonnedix offices, support was provided to SOS Wioski Dziecięce (SOS Children’s Villages). This organisation works daily to support Ukrainian orphaned children and provides housing, foster care and psychological support to cope with the trauma of the war.

€51,000 Donated 1,500+ Children impacted 4 Initiatives supported 1,000kg Of food provided 35 Camp days funded

Helping Local Communities

While our plants generate clean energy and protect our planet from carbon emissions, we endeavour to also enhance the communities that make our projects possible. We recognise the potential of utilising solar technology to improve socio-economic development in the communities in which we operate. This occurs through projects to supply solar power to schools, hospitals, NGOs and through community initiatives that promote the use of clean energy sources.