Interviews

Behind the scenes of Caritas Czech Republic: Meet the team behind the DAFI Scholarship Programme
February 17, 2025 CCR-Zambia

Behind the scenes of Caritas Czech Republic: Meet the team behind the DAFI Scholarship Programme

For young refugees, education is more than a pursuit—it’s a chance to rebuild their future and contribute to society. Yet, financial barriers and adapting to a new academic system make higher education a challenge. The DAFI Scholarship Programme opens doors for refugee students in Zambia, turning aspirations into reality. Behind its success is a dedicated team providing guidance, mentorship, and support. We spoke to Credwin and Kateule from Caritas Czech Republic about their work and the impact of education on refugee scholars.

Irena Kara from Caritas Czech Republic: Even two years after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, impacts are still visible
February 5, 2025 News

Irena Kara from Caritas Czech Republic: Even two years after the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, impacts are still visible

It has been exactly two years since one of the most devastating earthquakes in modern history struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria. Nearly 60,000 people lost their lives, and millions saw their lives turned upside down. How was the immediate aid carried out? How have people managed to cope with the disaster? We spoke with Irena Kara, our colleague in Turkey, about the current situation in the affected areas.

Thanks to the ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid is flowing into Gaza, but the needs remain enormous, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic
January 31, 2025 News

Thanks to the ceasefire, significantly more humanitarian aid is flowing into Gaza, but the needs remain enormous, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic

After more than a year of war, a temporary ceasefire has been declared in Gaza. This has given residents hope of returning home and allowed for an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries. However, the situation remains critical. What impact has the conflict had, what do people in Gaza need most right now, and how is Caritas Czech Republic helping them? We discussed this with Kateřina Velíšková, Regional Manager for the Middle East at Caritas Czech Republic.

Caritas Czech Republic seeks ways to assist in Georgia despite uncertainty, says Noemi Seregi about the current turbulent situation
December 10, 2024 News

Caritas Czech Republic seeks ways to assist in Georgia despite uncertainty, says Noemi Seregi about the current turbulent situation

The situation in Georgia is tense. Protests against the government’s decision to suspend European integration are escalating, raising concerns about repression and international isolation. How do people on the ground perceive this situation, and how does it affect the work of non-governmental organisations? We spoke about the current events in Georgia with Noemi Seregi, Regional Manager of Caritas Czech Republic.

Movement between cities in the West Bank is increasingly challenging, and violence is escalating, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic
December 9, 2024 News

Movement between cities in the West Bank is increasingly challenging, and violence is escalating, says Kateřina Velíšková from Caritas Czech Republic

The West Bank faces growing challenges. Escalating violence, restricted movement, and complications in the operations of humanitarian organisations are severely affecting local communities. The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to significantly worsen the situation in the West Bank. We spoke with Kateřina Velíšková, Regional Manager of Caritas Czech Republic for the Middle East, who recently visited the region, about the current situation, the daily lives of local people, and the support provided by Caritas. 

We have been living two kilometres from the frontline for ten years: Interview with Mohammad Hafed from Caritas Czech Republic on the escalation of fighting and the humanitarian crisis in Syria
December 4, 2024 News

We have been living two kilometres from the frontline for ten years: Interview with Mohammad Hafed from Caritas Czech Republic on the escalation of fighting and the humanitarian crisis in Syria

Northwest Syria is facing yet another severe crisis. Renewed fighting and ongoing violence are affecting people who have been struggling to survive in nearly unimaginable conditions for years. After 13 years of war, Syria's critical infrastructure and essential services are on the brink of collapse. We spoke with Mohammad Hafed, our colleague in Syria, about the current situation, daily life near the frontline, and Caritas Czech Republic's humanitarian efforts.

The Caritas Award is proof that I do my job well, says Evžen Diviš from Caritas Czech Republic
December 4, 2024 News

The Caritas Award is proof that I do my job well, says Evžen Diviš from Caritas Czech Republic

Evžen Diviš has been working at Caritas Czech Republic for over 15 years. In this interview, he reveals what the role of a regional manager in the Humanitarian Aid and Development Cooperation Department entails and shares some of the most profound experiences from his work-related travels. What does Evžen Diviš love most about his job? How does he cope with stress? And what does he see as the greatest challenges in providing humanitarian aid

There are a lot of strong people in Gaza who continue to help despite being affected by the war themselves, says Safa Younes from Caritas Czech Republic
October 7, 2024 News

There are a lot of strong people in Gaza who continue to help despite being affected by the war themselves, says Safa Younes from Caritas Czech Republic

Safa Younes is a Palestinian humanitarian worker based in Jaffa, Tel Aviv. After the war in Gaza broke out, Safa made the pivotal decision to shift her career and dedicate herself to helping those impacted by the conflict. She now works for Caritas Czech Republic, coordinating aid efforts for Gaza in collaboration with Caritas Jerusalem. Her unique perspective offers insights into the challenges of providing humanitarian assistance across borders during times of conflict

People in Lebanon survive day by day and try to help each other, says Kristýna Kvasničková from Caritas Czech Republic about the current situation in the country
October 5, 2024 News

People in Lebanon survive day by day and try to help each other, says Kristýna Kvasničková from Caritas Czech Republic about the current situation in the country

The war between Hezbollah and Israel is having a dramatic impact on civilians in Lebanon in particular. Over 1.2 million people, more than a quarter of the population, have fled their homes from shelling. It is impossible for a country long facing a socio-economic and political crisis to take care of them. What is the situation on the ground? How is it affecting ordinary people? Kristýna Kvasničková, who has lived in Lebanon until recently, explains this in an interview. 

The study visit to the Czech Republic provided us with valuable insights for improving early childhood development services in Georgia, says Inga Zarandia
September 2, 2024 News

The study visit to the Czech Republic provided us with valuable insights for improving early childhood development services in Georgia, says Inga Zarandia

Inga Zarandia, a dedicated advocate for early childhood development in Georgia, helps children that require specific support to receive the same chances as everyone else. Recently, she traveled to the Czech Republic with a study group organised by Caritas Czech Republic to explore new approaches and share experiences in the field. In this interview, Inga reveals the valuable insights she gained and how they will enhance early childhood services in Georgia.