Stories from the places where we help

 

7 pillars of Caritas Czech Republic’s work in Iraq
May 25, 2026 News

7 pillars of Caritas Czech Republic’s work in Iraq

After more than ten years, Caritas Czech Republic completed its operations in Iraq. In this article, we would like to remember the milestones of our work in the country. At first, we provided only humanitarian assistance to local people. However, in 2017, we opened our own office there, and our support shifted to restoring livelihoods and infrastructure, which helped improve and sustain the quality of life for the people of Iraq.

Climate change affects everyone: In Zambia, we are preparing young farmers as well as experienced growers
May 20, 2026 News

Climate change affects everyone: In Zambia, we are preparing young farmers as well as experienced growers

Samuel is in his early twenties and has been farming for only a short time. By contrast, Clerkson has worked in the industry since the 1990s. However, both of their livelihoods are threatened by climate change. Droughts are destroying harvests, yet agriculture is a common source of income in Zambia. That is why Caritas Czech Republic is training local farmers in modern techniques to help them better manage the impacts of climate change

Caritas contributed to the development of home care in Moldova. Intergenerational clubs played an important role
May 13, 2026 News

Caritas contributed to the development of home care in Moldova. Intergenerational clubs played an important role

In Moldova, we have long been engaged in social services and healthcare. Recently, with support from Czech Development Agency, we completed a three-year programme to strengthen home care services nationwide. Our goal was to improve the quality of life for older people and individuals in vulnerable situations. In cooperation with the organisation AO Homecare, we supported seniors at five social and healthcare service centres. We also trained local professionals.

6 good things we did together within the Caritas for Ukraine fundraising campaign
May 6, 2026 News

6 good things we did together within the Caritas for Ukraine fundraising campaign

This winter, Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid caused extensive power outages. As the war entered its fifth year, households were left without heating, electricity, or water during extremely low temperatures. People in the Czech Republic did not hesitate to show their solidarity. In this article, you will learn where the help from your contributions to the Caritas for Ukraine fundraising campaign was directed. Together, we were able to provide immediate assistance, for example, in Kyiv and Kharkiv. We have shown that our support is unbreakable—just like the determination and courage of the people of Ukraine. Thank you!

They seek a better life in Zambia. Caritas helps them study at university
April 30, 2026 News

They seek a better life in Zambia. Caritas helps them study at university

Seth was born in a refugee camp in Zambia. His parents come from Rwanda. Therefore, in his childhood, he faced challenges his Zambian peers did not. When he grew up, he decided to study at university and applied for the DAFI Scholarship Programme, which Caritas Czech Republic, together with partners, has been implementing in the country since 2019. This way, we enable access to higher education for refugees living in settlements and urban areas, including Lusaka. The scholarship provides comprehensive support, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends, as well as mentoring and career guidance. Seth became one of 141 refugees who have received our support so far, and were able to study their desired field. These are their stories.

Story from Gaza: She was dependent on help from her family. Now, she dreams of walking on her own
April 22, 2026 News

Story from Gaza: She was dependent on help from her family. Now, she dreams of walking on her own

As a little girl, Rafah learned what it felt like not to have her own freedom. She was born with cerebral palsy and a foot disability. As a result, she was unable to move without her family’s help. Her mother had to carry her everywhere, and Rafah could not play with her peers. With the beginning of the war in Gaza, her family was displaced to a refugee centre, where she received support from Caritas Czech Republic. Our social worker provided her with psychosocial assistance and arranged for her to receive a wheelchair, so she could become more independent. This story, with a happy ending, is about a girl who did not lose her brave spirit despite war or health difficulties.

At 14, Rana from Syria plans to become a doctor. She was encouraged by a programme supporting girls and women
April 15, 2026 News

At 14, Rana from Syria plans to become a doctor. She was encouraged by a programme supporting girls and women

Rana was born at the beginning of the civil war in Syria. When she was just a few months old, she had to flee her hometown of Hayan in Aleppo with her parents and four older siblings. For a long time, they searched for a safe shelter. They moved from villages to towns and faced many difficulties. Eventually, they settled in the village of Kaljibrin in the countryside of Aleppo. But even there, they did not find the stability so necessary for young Rana. Hope arrived thanks to the programme supporting girls and women in Syria, implemented with assistance from Caritas Czech Republic. Rana began attending the sessions regularly and, gradually, she gained confidence and great ambitions for her future.

In one minute, they lost everything – the stories of people from eastern Ukraine
March 18, 2026 News

In one minute, they lost everything – the stories of people from eastern Ukraine

Humanitarian aid can be measured in food packages, litres of water, or tons of firewood. But behind those figures, real people’s stories are hidden  stories of those from Eastern Ukraine who, like us today, once owned houses, worked, and raised children. In 2022, they lost everything in a matter of minutes. Many decided to leave their hometowns and move to the relative safety of western Ukraine, such as Ivano-Frankivsk. One of them was Iryna: “People came here with small suitcases. They packed their entire lives into one bag. They constantly follow the news from home. They live in hope of returning, no matter what.” These are their stories. 

Caritas Czech Republic transforms Moldovan schools into a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment
March 13, 2026 News

Caritas Czech Republic transforms Moldovan schools into a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment

In the Moldovan countryside, people often face problems stemming from outdated infrastructure and limited access to clean water. An uneasy situation is reflected in the local educational system as well, because it is difficult to set hygiene and sanitary standards under such conditions. Therefore, Caritas Czech Republic improves them and also organises awareness-raising programmes for parents and teachers, so they can subsequently educate their children and students. These activities in Moldova are supported by the European Union and the Czech Development Agency. 

Inspiring stories of women who refused to give up
March 7, 2026 News

Inspiring stories of women who refused to give up

International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the quiet strength and perseverance with which women support their families, communities, and even the entire world every single day. According to UN Women data from 2025, as many as 676 million women live close to armed conflict, and 376 million women and girls survive in extreme poverty below the threshold of 2.15 dollars per day, which is roughly 45 Czech crowns. Additionally, 1.8 billion people still lack access to drinking water at home, and women are responsible for its availibility in two out of three households. This year, Caritas Czech Republic aims to highlight the stories of those who, despite uncertainty and adversity, have found ways to help others – their families, neighbours, communities, and fellow women.