Stories

5 years of cancer prevention: How early detection is saving lives in Georgia
February 3, 2025 News

5 years of cancer prevention: How early detection is saving lives in Georgia

In Georgia, where access to healthcare has often been a challenge, hope is growing in the fight against cancer. Built and opened by Caritas Czech Republic in November 2019, the Cancer Screening Centre in Zugdidi has been making early detection and prevention more accessible to communities in western Georgia. Thanks to its efforts, more people can receive life-saving screenings, helping to detect cancer at an early stage. “In 2023 for example, not a single day passed without treating at least 10 patientsfor mammography alone,” says Irinia Pochkua, the clinical director of the centre. 

Israa from Gaza lost her limbs and two sisters in the war. Thanks to the help of Caritas, she has secured medical care
January 23, 2025 News

Israa from Gaza lost her limbs and two sisters in the war. Thanks to the help of Caritas, she has secured medical care

Israa, a young woman from the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza, is both a witness and a victim of one of the most devastating conflicts of today. Over 47,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the war began, and more than 100,000 others have suffered injuries. Among them, Israa, who lost limbs and her sisters in the bombing. 

Water brings back hope to Ali and his family in Syria
January 20, 2025 News

Water brings back hope to Ali and his family in Syria

Despite years of displacement and harsh living conditions in northern Syria, Ali remains determined to care for his family. Forced to flee his hometown due to violence, he has endured countless challenges, from unemployment to the struggle for clean water. Now, thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, a renewed water supply is bringing hope back to his life, family, and community

I love my job, says Jerome from Zambia, who lives with a visual impairment
January 16, 2025 News

I love my job, says Jerome from Zambia, who lives with a visual impairment

76-year-old Jerome from Zambia has been coping with the effects of glaucoma, which robbed him of his sight, for the past 13 years. Despite this, he has not lost his zest for life or determination. Today, he works as a trustee of a food processing centre in the Meheba refugee settlement, where his attitude inspires others to live life to the fullest despite obstacles. The centre, which helps people secure their livelihoods, operates with the support of Caritas Czech Republic

Kindergarten teacher: Now I know how to support children with specific requirements
December 27, 2024 CCR-Georgia

Kindergarten teacher: Now I know how to support children with specific requirements

Caritas Czech Republic has been working on the development of early childhood services for many years. After a five-year initiative to support children on the autism spectrum, in 2023 we launched a project to support the Early Inclusive Education and Development Program in Georgia. At the end of the year, we visited one of the kindergartens involved in the project, where we saw the results of our work on-site.

25-year-old Mollar owns thriving bistro in Karakosh, Iraq
December 19, 2024 News

25-year-old Mollar owns thriving bistro in Karakosh, Iraq

The scent of Lahm Bi Ajeen—spiced meat and vegetables spread over soft dough—and freshly baked pizza draws locals and visitors alike to a small bistro on a lively street. Inside, 25-year-old Mollar works with steady hands, rolling out dough with care, topping it generously, and sliding it into a glowing oven. With the support of Caritas Czech Republic, Mollar was able to open his own bistro in Karakosh, Iraq. 

I no longer have to walk 3 hours to fetch water, says Almaz from Ethiopia
December 17, 2024 News

I no longer have to walk 3 hours to fetch water, says Almaz from Ethiopia

Access to clean water is a universal need, yet for countless families in Ethiopia, it remains a difficult and sometimes dangerous daily challenge. In Abala Abaya, a rural district situated 419 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, water scarcity has shaped the lives of entire communities. Among those affected is Almaz, a mother of seven, whose story speaks to the profound impact that access to clean water, or lack thereof, can have on a family’s health, time, and overall quality of life. Almaz now has access to clean water near her home, thanks to our help. 

3 000 people in the front line Kherson region in Ukraine will be warm this winter thanks to Caritas Czech Republic
December 16, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

3 000 people in the front line Kherson region in Ukraine will be warm this winter thanks to Caritas Czech Republic

It is less than 20 kilometres from the village of Belozerka in the Kherson region to the front line. “Just half an hour ago, a shell hit our village, leaving us once again without light and water," says Inna, a local resident. For Inna and her neighbours, such goods as light and gas have become a luxury, and frosty winters are outside. Massive attacks regularly destroy the infrastructure of frontline communities, and unemployment deprives people of the ability to stock up on fuel for the winter. “We are very grateful that you deliver us firewood even when it's shelling,” Inna says sincerely.

My children also have the right to feel happy, says Natalia from Ukraine, who is raising two daughters with disabilities
November 30, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

My children also have the right to feel happy, says Natalia from Ukraine, who is raising two daughters with disabilities

5-year-old twins Valeria and Daryna have been in a wheelchair since birth. Every outing in their native Uzhhorod in western Ukraine is a challenge for them. The streets and buildings are not well suited for people with disabilities, but my children need conditions for development, not isolation,“ says their mother Natalia. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, the city now has its first inclusive playground, giving Valeria and Daria a place to play, grow, and connect.  

Caritas Czech Republic gave me the foundation to achieve professional growth, says Safina, a refugee in Zambia
November 19, 2024 CCR-Zambia

Caritas Czech Republic gave me the foundation to achieve professional growth, says Safina, a refugee in Zambia

Safina, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrived in Zambia in 2017 with little more than hope for a better future. Faced with numerous obstacles, she remained determined to pursue her dreams. Through the DAFI scholarship, facilitated by Caritas Czech Republic, Safina not only achieved her educational goals but grew into a successful IT professional. Her journey highlights the power of education and mentorship in helping refugees rebuild their lives.