United for recovery: Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation’s experience at the Mercy Corps event

Kateryna Lekhan-Mukhina, HR Director at the Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation, took part in the event “United for Recovery: A resilient civil society – a strong Ukraine”, organized by the foundation’s partner, Mercy Corps.

The event brought together representatives of civil society organizations, businesses, and the public sector in Lviv to discuss the role of local leadership in Ukraine’s recovery.

During her speech, Kateryna Lekhan-Mukhina shared real stories from hospitals and schools where lives have been saved thanks to the solar power stations installed by the foundation. She also presented a video featuring testimonials from patients and students who have already experienced the positive impact of solar energy.

“On December 17, 2024, we launched a hybrid solar power station for the Kharkiv Regional Hospital. It seemed like just a technical project. But on February 10, 2025, it became a story of life. From 11:20 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the hospital operated entirely thanks to our solar station. Four hours of uninterrupted work when the rest of the grid was silent. Four hours when surgery and intensive care were functioning. Four hours when doctors could save lives – without pauses, without fear, without darkness. Four hours when new Ukrainians could be born, because sensors in the maternity ward kept working,” shared Lekhan-Mukhina.

The speaker also highlighted the foundation’s educational initiative – the Solar Step program, which helps women gain an in-demand profession in the solar energy sector. The course “Project management in solar power plant construction” meets market needs, supports state retraining programs, and promotes gender equality in the field.

“This year, within the Solar Step program, 50 women will receive free training and a new profession – project managers in the solar energy sector. Fifty women who, in just a few months, will be able to manage large projects, install solar stations, and transform communities and entire regions. Each of them is not just a new specialist – she is new energy, motivation to create something important, innovative, and necessary right now,” said Lekhan-Mukhina.

Mercy Corps Country Director for Ukraine, Vicki Aken, emphasized the importance of local leadership: “As international organizations rethink their roles, the responsibility and opportunities for leadership are shifting to Ukrainian NGOs, civil society organizations, and change-driven communities. Mercy Corps aims to be a platform for this leadership. Strong local partners are not a risk to be managed – they are the foundation of effective recovery.”

The Solar Step course and the construction of a solar power station for a water utility in Kirovohrad region are being implemented by the foundation with the support of Mercy Corps. This partnership contributes to strengthening Ukraine’s energy independence today and its sustainable development for the future.