News

Summer of Ukrainian children between laughter and sirens
September 1, 2025 News

Summer of Ukrainian children between laughter and sirens

Childhood in Ukraine has now unfolded under the shadow of war for three consecutive years. Despite the ongoing conflict, children strive to experience summer like their peers elsewhere in the world – playing, travelling, creating, and dreaming. Yet their stories are shaped by anxiety, separation, and the daily threat of air raids. Several children and parents from different regions of Ukraine shared how they spent their summer holidays and what they experienced. Many of them have benefited from the services of Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine or are actively cooperating with the organisation.

Koji and Kisimba met in a refugee settlement in Zambia. Now they are best friends and business partners
August 28, 2025 News

Koji and Kisimba met in a refugee settlement in Zambia. Now they are best friends and business partners

Koji and Kisimba are two young farmers who met in the Meheba refugee settlement. Today they are not only best friends but also entrepreneurs building a thriving farm together. Like many other farmers in Zambia, they grapple with the effects of climate change, especially prolonged droughts. Thanks to an irrigation system provided by Caritas Czech Republic, their yields have improved, and they are already considering expanding their farm. 

Peaceful procession “Light for Lost Childhood” – Caritas Czech Republic commemorates child victims in Palestine and Israel
August 25, 2025 News

Peaceful procession “Light for Lost Childhood” – Caritas Czech Republic commemorates child victims in Palestine and Israel

On Thursday, 4 September 2025, a silent procession entitled Light for Lost Childhood in Palestine and Israel will pass through Prague, honouring the memory of children who have fallen victim to violence and war. A benefit concert at Lucerna Music Bar will follow the procession. The initiative has emerged from a broad coalition of movements, spiritual leaders, individuals, artists, and humanitarian and non-governmental organisations. Caritas Czech Republic is among them, and part of the proceeds from the concert will be allocated to the Caritas for Gaza fundraising campaign.

How Samira from Iraq built a future for her family from her kitchen
August 21, 2025 News

How Samira from Iraq built a future for her family from her kitchen

n the quiet streets of Bartella, Iraq, the smell of freshly baked kleicha and simmering dolma drifts from Samira’s home. At 60 years old, Samira has turned her lifelong love of traditional Iraqi cooking into a thriving home-based business after receiving support from Caritas Czech Republic. But it was not always like this. 

"I no longer remember what food tastes like," said the girl in Gaza. Her words echo the reality humanitarian workers face every day
August 19, 2025 Gaza Strip

"I no longer remember what food tastes like," said the girl in Gaza. Her words echo the reality humanitarian workers face every day

Since May, Ola has been coordinating social work in southern Gaza. Despite her own exhaustion and painful losses, she helps every day those who have lost their homes, suffer from hunger, or need psychological support. Under the programme funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and fundraiser Caritas for Gaza, Caritas provides basic healthcare, medicine distribution, crisis intervention, and training of local social workers and psychologists. We are among the few organisations with staff on the ground in the Gaza Strip, working to ensure that people there do not lose hope or access to support—a commitment we honour and reflect on the World Humanitarian Day.

Humanitarian subsidy – Financial assistance for refugees from Ukraine
August 18, 2025 Charita Česká republika

Humanitarian subsidy – Financial assistance for refugees from Ukraine

As a result of the war, many people may suddenly find themselves in a very difficult situation. They lose a stable income and are unable to cover even the most basic needs such as food, hygiene, and shelter. The Czech Republic strives to help people in such circumstances and has therefore introduced the humanitarian subsidy. In the following sections, you will learn who is eligible for this support, the amount provided, how to apply, and where to seek assistance if you need help with the paperwork. 

From dormitories to homes, from aid to hope. Caritas Czech Republic continues to support war-affected Ukraine
August 14, 2025 News

From dormitories to homes, from aid to hope. Caritas Czech Republic continues to support war-affected Ukraine

During the last months, Ukraine has been experiencing the most intense wave of missile and drone attacks since the beginning of the war. The number of civilian casualties continues to rise, and the need for assistance remains immense. Evžen Diviš, regional manager of the Department for humanitarian aid and development cooperation at Caritas Czech Republic, outlines not only the current situation in the country and the impact of specific projects, but also explains why support for Ukraine remains essential.

How Emad from Iraq built a future for himself after our job training programme
August 11, 2025 News

How Emad from Iraq built a future for himself after our job training programme

In the busy aisles of a shopping mall in Mosul, Iraq, Emad moves confidently between neatly stacked shelves and rows of textiles. Just a few years ago, Emad was one of many young people in Iraq struggling with unemployment and a lack of opportunities. Today, at 24 years old, he manages the textiles department in a supermarket, which he was able to do thanks to an on-the-job training programme supported by Caritas Czech Republic. 

The temporary accommodation centre in Zakarpattia, set up with the help of Caritas Czech Republic, became a cosy home for 180 war-affected Ukrainians
August 1, 2025 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

The temporary accommodation centre in Zakarpattia, set up with the help of Caritas Czech Republic, became a cosy home for 180 war-affected Ukrainians

After a year of joint hard work, on 28 July in the city of Berehovо in Zakarpattia, we officially opened a new settlement for the evacuated people with infrastructure for their integration into the local community. Currently, 100 residents from Donetsk, Dnipro and Kherson regions have already settled here. This project is the most significant for Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine, uniting the efforts of the authorities, partner charities, and businesses.

Thousands displaced in southern Syria – Security and Humanitarian Situation Remains Critical
August 1, 2025 News

Thousands displaced in southern Syria – Security and Humanitarian Situation Remains Critical

Caritas Czech Republic has been operating in the Turkish-Syrian border region since 2013. In February 2023, a powerful earthquake struck Syria and Turkey. In cooperation with our local partners, we provided on-site assistance – ranging from essential material aid to hygiene kits and warm clothing. In December 2024, the government of Bashar al-Assad came to an end, leaving the country in a state of fragility. Caritas continues to closely monitor the humanitarian situation across Syria, including in areas where we are not currently operating directly. One such region is the southern province of Al-Suwayda, where both the security and humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.