August 20, 2014
Philippines
On the 14th of August, school equipment was officially handed over to three schools, namely to Simeon Ocdol National High School, Basey National High School and Basey II Central Elementary School in the city of Basey in the Philippine province of Samar. The handover was also attended by representatives of Caritas Czech Republic.
The equipment included classroom furniture, chairs and desks for students and teachers, book cases, blackboards and school canteen equipment such as gas cookers and dishes. In total there were 750 chairs with desks for students, 66 tables for teachers, 86 blackboards, equipment for two kitchens, six computers, eight book cases, 400 pair of shoes and three first aid kits. The equipment was provided by Caritas Czech Republic and Caritas Romania.
The ceremony was also attended by representatives of the towns where the schools are situated, the mayor of the city of Basey, the representatives of the school committees, teachers, pupils and students from the schools.
The ceremony began with a prayer and was followed by speeches from representatives of the organisations, schools and local authorities. After the speeches, the students gave 
musical and dance performances. The ceremony was followed by lunch with a typical Philippine menu, which consisted of rice, steamed vegetables, chicken and melon.
The representatives of Caritas Czech Republic and other participants of the ceremony had the opportunity to see the newly equipped classrooms and also to talk to the teachers and the students. Many had lost their homes and relatives during the typhoon. They could not hide their emotions when they spoke about the typhoon and it was clear that they still found it difficult to avoid tears when talking about the disaster.
Besides supporting schools, Caritas Czech Republic also helps farmers in the area of Basey, who lost their houses, crops and domestic animals during the typhoon. We provide seeds, alternative crops and support for organic rice cultivation and other crops.
Caritas Czech Republic financed the supply of the equipment from a public collection which was announced in November 2013 after the Philippine islands were hit by typhoon Haiyan.
