December 5, 2023
News
With everything bad that has been going on this year, we would like to present stories of hope to bring a smile on your face and show you that not everything is going in the wrong direction. We encountered many inspiring stories during our work. Stories of people who overcame obstacles and managed to stand on their own feet. Stories of people who have persevered during difficult times and motivate others to take life into their own hands. Now we would like you to meet them too.
Education centre in the former Islamic State stronghold
In a conservative area of Anbar in Iraq, once ruled by the so-called Islamic state, it is not easy for women to establish their own businesses. But Rana did just that. The Iraqi woman who graduated from mechanical engineering decided to open an education centre to provide classes for local students.
Rana had long tutored students only at her home, but dreamed of starting her own education centre. Thanks to her perseverance and the support of Caritas Czech Republic, she finally succeeded. Today she runs the only education centre in the wider area.
“I want to thank Caritas Czech Republic very much for the support that enabled me to fulfil my dream of having my own training centre,“ says Rana gratefully. She received a grant from Caritas Czech Republic with which she purchased the necessary equipment. Today, ten teachers work at her centre and many students attend. “Their parents call me and thank me for starting the education centre for their children. I respond by telling them to thank Caritas Czech Republic for making it possible,“ smiles Rana.
Life in the Georgian countryside
Five years ago, Levan and Eka decided to leave city life in Tbilisi, Georgia, and move to the countryside, back to their native region of Racha. Today, with their two young children, they live in humble conditions in a poor region of Georgia. But they have no complaints. “The beginning here was difficult, but we don't regret the change. We wanted to live in the countryside, in harmony with nature. And we also want to contribute to the development of our native region of Racha, which people tend to leave and move to the cities,“ Levan says.
The young Georgian couple have established a small vineyard in their native village and produce excellent and 100% natural wines. But in the village of Sori in the Racha region, where they live, the sewage system is not working, which has been a great concern for the young couple. “We want to protect the environment and not pollute it. So we looked for ways to deal with it,“ Eka says. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, they received a bio toilet and a biofilter, which is based on filtering wastewater using natural ingredients. So they can continue their rural life and their wine business without worrying about polluting the environment.
“We are very happy that Caritas Czech Republic supports people who start their own business to take the first step and to be able to support themselves afterwards. This support is very important, especially in poor regions like Racha where there are few job opportunities,“ says Eka.
Rich harvests despite a changing climate
Not long ago, farmer Mwendabai from Zambia's Western province did not know if he would have enough food for his family. Because of climate change that is hitting his home region hard. In places that only a few years ago were cultivated without problems, farmers are now struggling to secure crops because of changing weather and irregular rainfall. Thanks to the our support, farmers in Zambia are able to adapt to the changing climate and continue to grow and harvest successful crops.
“Today we have food on the table three times a day,“ Mwendabai praises. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic's help, Mwendabai has learned how to grow resilient crops, how to store them properly so they last as long as possible, and how to get surplus crops to market. “I have found that farming doesn't have to be only for our own use, but that I can also sell my crops and provide an important income. My family is very happy because today we have enough food," says farmer Mwendabai gratefully. Mwendabai acts as a so-called lead farmer and passes on the knowledge he has gained from Caritas Czech Republic to more than 20 other farmers in his community so that they too can grow in spite of the changing climate.
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Ukrainian specialties for refugees in Moldova
The war in Ukraine has displaced millions of people from their homes. Including the family of 40-year-old Tatiana, who fled Odesa. She found accommodation with relatives in the Moldovan countryside, but struggled to find work. Financial assistance from Caritas Czech Republic gave Tatiana time to find a way to provide for her family. “I wanted to find a job, but I don't have a car to commute and there are no jobs in the countryside. So I came up with the idea of starting my own e-shop with Ukrainian sausages,“ says Tatiana. Ukrainian specialities are not widely available in Moldova, but are in high demand due to the growing Ukrainian community.
“I am very grateful for the support. Caritas Czech Republic is one of the few organisations that helps refugees in the remote regions of Moldova,“ says Tatiana, who fled to the country from Ukraine with her 15-year-old daughter Anna, 12-year-old son Andrej and dog Muffin. Today, thanks to her own business, she is able to support her family in a new country.
You can also help people in need get back on their feet. Donate a Meaningful Gift this Christmas and make your loved ones happy while supporting people in disadvantaged situations to take their lives into their own hands. Just like Levan and Eka, Rana, Tatiana and Mwendabai did.
