January 6, 2025
News
The year 2024 brought many challenges to the world, but it also showed the power of solidarity and commitment to help where it is needed most. We helped civilians affected by the war in Gaza, supported farmers in Zambia battling the effects of climate change and played our part in rebuilding livelihoods in war-torn Ukraine. This is just a fraction of our work. Let's recall the key moments and achievements of Caritas Czech Republic over the past year.
1. We provided health care in Gaza
In 2024, Caritas Czech Republic responded intensively to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, where the conflict has caused widespread devastation and threatened the lives of millions of civilians. In cooperation with Caritas Jerusalem, we provided primary health care and psychosocial support to the people of Gaza. Caritas teams, made up of doctors, nurses and pharmacists, are operating in areas with the highest concentration of displaced people, where they continue to provide wound care, treatment for chronic illnesses and psychological support.
Despite extremely difficult conditions, we continued to provide essential health care and support to those who needed it most. The story of 50-year-old Fatima, a mother of four suffering from the effects of a stroke and severe depression, illustrates the impact of our work. Thanks to the psychological support she received through our programmes, she found new strength to face her daily challenges. "It's like finding light in the darkness," Fatima says of the support she received.
2. In Syria and Ethiopia, we provided better access to drinking water
Over the past year, we've been helping people in Syria and Ethiopia get what should be a given - access to clean water. In Syria, where war has destroyed not only homes but also infrastructure, we provided clean water for more than 6,500 people. We have repaired water sources, distributed hygiene kits and organised awareness campaigns to help local people better protect their health.
Ethiopia has been struggling with severe droughts caused by climate change for decades. In the Abela Abaya region in the south of the country, where locals often had to travel up to six hours to get a few litres of water, the situation has now changed dramatically. Together with local partners, we have repaired existing water sources and built new reservoirs, making water available to people right in their communities.
3. We helped people in Ukraine to start again
How do you start again when war takes away your home, your job and your security? In Ukraine in 2024, we helped people get back on their feet. Thanks to our support, war-affected Ukrainians were able to start a new life, often from scratch.
Denys, a father of three daughters, lost his livelihood because of the war. He decided to start again in a new place.He took a course in therapeutic massage, and today he not only supports his family, but also helps others find relief from their pain. "I am very grateful to Caritas Czech Republic for the support," he says.
But the help did not just stop at job opportunities. We have built safe housing for thousands of people in modular homes in western Ukraine. We have also opened several inclusive playgrounds in the west of the country where children with disabilities, like five-year-old twins Valeria and Daryna, can play. "My children can now play with other peers, I am very happy for that," praises their mother Natalia.
4. In Zambia, we helped farmers adapt to climate change
Zambia, where more than 70% of the population depends on agriculture, has been facing a long-standing drought, which was extreme last year. A delayed start to the rainy season and inadequate rainfall caused abnormally dry conditions that threatened the livelihoods of millions of people.
Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Zambia for more than a decade, helping farmers adapt to the changing climate. We introduce farmers to modern farming methods, drought-resistant seeds and mobile apps that help them access vital weather information, take out insurance against climate risks and get their crops to market. In the past year, we have installed solar irrigation systems in the Meheba refugee settlement, allowing crops to be grown year-round regardless of rainfall. These energy-efficient systems provide a sustainable solution in areas with limited access to electricity.
5. In Iraq, we helped young people find work
In Iraq, finding work remains a major challenge for young people - unemployment is at alarming levels and access to opportunities is often limited. To help them overcome these obstacles, this year we held a series of workshops showing young people how to write an engaging CV, where to look for job offers and how to gain experience that will open doors to new opportunities.
One example of how our support is changing lives is Fouad from Bartella. Despite suffering from a speech impediment caused by a car explosion since childhood, he was able to fulfil his dream of owning his own electrical repair shop. Thanks to a grant and training, he purchased the necessary equipment and now successfully repairs fans, ovens and other appliances for customers from the surrounding area. "I want to expand my workshop and one day build a factory," confides Fouad, who is an example that the right support and education can pave the way for a better future for young people - not just for themselves, but for their families and entire communities.
6. In Moldova, we help people with mental health problems to live independent lives
Living with a mental disorder in Moldova often means isolation, misunderstanding and limited options. But Caritas Czech Republic is helping to change this reality. In 2024, we supported the creation of sheltered housing that provides people with mental disorders not only a home, but also a chance for a fresh start.
Elena, a 47-year-old woman who moved into the Viitorul sheltered house, says of her experience, "I feel at home here." Thanks to the care and support, she is rebuilding the independence she had lost in previous years. It's a similar story for 32-year-old Gheorghe, who is starting over after 11 years in an institution. In sheltered housing in the Glodeni district, he is learning to look after his home and garden, developing his skills and hoping to soon find work in the construction industry - and maybe even start a family.
Sheltered housing in Moldova shows how important it is to be able to live in dignity and be part of society. Thanks to our help, people like Elena and Gheorghe find not only new skills, but also hope and strength to pursue their dreams.
7. In Georgia, we supported farmers and helped locals prepare for flood risk
The year 2024 was one of the most challenging in recent history for Georgia. Despite the difficult political situation, we continued our work to help improve the lives of people across Georgia. In the Oni region, we helped local residents better prepare for the floods that regularly threaten them. Together with the local authorities, we created emergency plans, trained teachers and pupils in risk prevention and equipped schools with the necessary emergency equipment. This has given the community not only greater security, but also concrete tools to protect their lives.
At the same time, we supported farmers in the mountainous regions of Georgia to make their work more profitable and stable. We introduced them to modern livestock techniques, sustainable pasture management and helped them better get their products to markets.
Help with us
We were able to help last year thanks in part to the support of our donors. Thank you to everyone who partnered with us to help where needed. We will continue to help this year.
