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January 27, 2026 News

7 Things you should know about the war in Ukraine

For four years, Ukraine has been facing a full-scale Russian invasion. However, the war has been ongoing since 2014, and its consequences have been devastating. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, and the country has found itself in a humanitarian crisis. Beyond military operations, the conflict has had a profound impact on the economy, healthcare, and infrastructure. Below are seven key facts that help explain the current situation and its consequences for Ukraine and the world.

January 29, 2026 News

Thanks to the Caritas for Gaza fundraising campaign, we improved healthcare in the northern area

Living conditions in Gaza remain challenging despite the ceasefire. The majority of residents face a daily shortage of food, water, and basic necessities. Ninety-two per cent of houses in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged. Therefore, local people need help from the outside world. Caritas Czech Republic has been focusing its aid there primarily on healthcare and psychosocial assistance. At the end of last year, we collaborated with the organisation Juzoor, which secures accessible and safe health services in Gaza. Thanks to donations from the Caritas for Gaza fundraising campaign, we were able to provide funding for a newly established clinic in the north of the area.

January 23, 2026 News

Caritas Czech Republic is releasing extraordinary financial resources to support Ukraine

Russian attacks on Ukraine continue to damage the energy grid and civilian infrastructure. Many people, especially in Kyiv and the surrounding areas, are left in the middle of winter without electricity, warmth, or water. Temperatures are dropping well below zero, and the repairs to the energy grid are progressing very slowly. According to recent prognoses, extremely cold weather will last for the next few weeks. In such a situation, every form of support is crucial. The Czechs have repeatedly shown that they can act fast, with understanding and compassion. Thanks to solidarity, it is possible to help in places where people are fighting for the most basic conditions for life.

January 23, 2026 News

Majed from Syria used to buy expensive water every three days. Today, thanks to Caritas, he has his own supply

Until recently, Majed from Syria had to buy expensive water for his entire family every three days. Today, thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, he has his own source of clean water, sufficient both for household needs and for irrigating crops. In collaboration with the organisation Takaful Al-Sham, we put into operation the local pumping station and restored the water supply network. As a result, Majed no longer has to pay for water and can save money instead.

January 15, 2026 News

Almaz used to worry about her children’s health due to contaminated water. Today, she takes care of her community

Until recently, Almaz watched her children drink water with an anxious heart. The water was contaminated, posing an excruciating risk of stomach illnesses. Almaz and her family live in southern Ethiopia, where no other source of water was available. Last year, with support from Caritas Czech Republic, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, and Caritas Ethiopia (ECC-SDCO/S), access to local water was restored. Thanks to this, Almaz no longer needs to worry about her children’s safety. Moreover, she saves several hours each week because she no longer has to fetch water from elsewhere. As a result, she has been able to grow her own vegetables and support the family budget. She has also taken responsibility for managing the water spring and has become the voice of her community.

January 13, 2026 News

Oleksandra found a job as an accountant in Lviv. Thanks to Caritas, she improved her skills and now contributes to the growth of a well-known local shop.

In the weeks before Christmas, Caritas Czech Republic visited Lviv. We also stopped by a shop called „Something Interesting“, which sells blown glass products typical of the town. Oleksandra works as the shop’s accountant. She moved to Lviv from Zaporizhzhia before the war began. She did not plan to settle down, but the conflict has extended her stay indefinitely. Thanks to support from Caritas Czech Republic, she attended two courses that helped her strengthen the company’s growth.

January 8, 2026 News

Thanks to Caritas, Nesreen remembered her own courage. Today, she is helping others in Gaza

At forty-two, Nesreen has not had an easy life, not even before the conflict in Gaza began. Two of her four children are living with a serious health condition, and Nesreen dedicated all her time to caring for them. When the war started, the family lost their home and had to overcome other unfortunate twists of fate. The situation finally improved when Nesreen visited the clinic of Caritas Jerusalem, supported by Caritas Czech Republic. Here, she found much-needed words of comfort and understanding. Today, she copes better with the daily challenges of life in Gaza.

January 5, 2026 News

Hamiyanda purchased his dream bike thanks to growing sorghum seed

Forty-two-year-old Hamiyanda from Zambia used to rely on growing maize as his main source of livelihood. However, due to the impacts of climate change, this way of farming has become unsustainable. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, Hamiyanda gained knowledge of organic farming and became a sorghum seed grower. Once established in his new career, he was able to purchase his dream bike, which greatly simplified his work. Hamiyanda and other farmers in Zambia are supported by Caritas Czech Republic, even through donations collected in the Three Kings Collection.

December 29, 2025 News

Caritas Czech Republic sets new safety standards for humanitarian and development workers

Helping others is only possible when those who provide the help are safe themselves. That is why Caritas Czech Republic places great emphasis on protecting its staff and creating a secure environment for their work. This year, we launched a systematic review and development of safety management within our humanitarian and development programmes. The aim of this strategy is to prepare staff for potential crisis situations arising from security threats and accidental or natural risks. According to Kristýna Kvasničková, Learning & Policy Coordinator, safety standards were updated this year at Caritas Czech Republic’s offices in Ukraine and Zambia. In the coming year, these procedures will also be implemented in other regions where Caritas operates. This activity was funded by the Czech Aid.

December 23, 2025 News

Laos confronts rising waste accumulation with Caritas Czech Republic’s support and Czech expertise

In the capital of Laos, the issue of emissions is so pressing that electric cars are being adopted here more rapidly than in Europe. Nonetheless, the country continues to grapple with the unsustainable problem of waste accumulation. Recently, experts from the BioResources & Technology Division, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU) visited Laos. Supported by Caritas Czech Republic, the dean, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hynek Roubík, Antoine Bercy, M.Sc. and Jan Staš, M.Sc., PhD, contributed to an analysis aimed at helping local institutions address the nationwide problem. Among all Southeast Asian countries, Laos has experienced the fastest growth in waste. However, the local infrastructure is unable to process it, says Hynek Roubík in an interview with Caritas Czech Republic.

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News

7 Things you should know about the war in Ukraine

Thanks to the Caritas for Gaza fundraising campaign, we improved healthcare in the northern area

Caritas Czech Republic is releasing extraordinary financial resources to support Ukraine

Majed from Syria used to buy expensive water every three days. Today, thanks to Caritas, he has his own supply

Almaz used to worry about her children’s health due to contaminated water. Today, she takes care of her community

Oleksandra found a job as an accountant in Lviv. Thanks to Caritas, she improved her skills and now contributes to the growth of a well-known local shop.

Thanks to Caritas, Nesreen remembered her own courage. Today, she is helping others in Gaza

Hamiyanda purchased his dream bike thanks to growing sorghum seed

Caritas Czech Republic sets new safety standards for humanitarian and development workers

Laos confronts rising waste accumulation with Caritas Czech Republic’s support and Czech expertise

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