The initiative, led by SERC Chile, involved the free distribution of the books “The Sun” and “Introducing: The Sun” across four educational and community establishments in the region, with the goal of awakening scientific curiosity from childhood and promoting environmental education with territorial identity.

Four educational establishments and a community center in the Arica and Parinacota region were part of a new delivery of children's books developed by the Solar Energy Research Center, SERC Chile, aimed at bringing solar science closer to childhood through playful and pedagogical tools with territorial identity.

These include the titles “The Sun,” intended for children aged 4 to 6, and “Introducing: The Sun,” aimed at students aged 7 to 12. Both publishing projects were designed by SERC Chile researchers to foster, from an early age, a scientific awareness linked to solar energy, the environment, and sustainability.

SERC Chile researcher Lorena Cornejo, one of the project's drivers, explained that “children are naturally curious. Our goal is to channel that curiosity toward scientific topics relevant to their environment, such as solar energy, in an entertaining and understandable way.”

The delivery included field activities and meetings with local authorities. In the town of Codpa, in the Camarones commune, more than 70 copies were distributed at the Public Library during an event attended by the commune’s mayor, Cristian Zavala.

“Early access to this type of content allows children not only to know the sun as a natural star, but to understand it as a source of life, energy, and the future,” added Lorena Cornejo.

In addition to this site, the América, Pampa Algodonal, and Azapa Valley schools, as well as the Las Espiguitas Preschool—all in the region—also participated. In total, more than 300 books were donated, reinforcing the research center’s commitment to territorial equity in access to scientific knowledge.

“The work of SERC Chile not only seeks to generate research of excellence, but also to put it at the service of the community. We want solar energy to stop being an exclusive topic for specialists and to become part of the daily life of future generations, from the classroom to the library of their towns. At SERC Chile, we believe that solar energy has the power to illuminate not only our homes, but also the curious minds of boys and girls in every corner of the country. It fills us with joy to see students so motivated to learn about solar energy, because they will be the force that transforms Chile into a solar nation,” elaborated Lorena Cornejo, the SERC Chile researcher in charge of the book donation.

This educational material, in addition to featuring illustrations and activities, includes a QR code with audio to facilitate access for children who do not yet read. Both titles were designed and validated by teams of researchers, illustrators, and educational professionals, with a Chilean hallmark and an inclusive and sustainable perspective.