Stories

It's like I have found a light in the darkness, says Fatima from Gaza after receiving psychosocial support from Caritas
November 18, 2024 News

It's like I have found a light in the darkness, says Fatima from Gaza after receiving psychosocial support from Caritas

Fatima, a fifty-year-old mother of four, lives in the tragic reality of war-torn Gaza, where daily life means a struggle for survival. For fifteen years, Fatima has been battling the effects of a stroke and severe depression, which have significantly worsened in the past year. "I feel like I have lost my way," she says, referring to the daily struggle with physical exhaustion and stress from the ongoing conflict. Thanks to Caritas, Fatima feels better today.

Bringing people joy through my food makes me happy, says Rana from Iraq
November 14, 2024 News

Bringing people joy through my food makes me happy, says Rana from Iraq

As the sun begins to set in the small Christian town of Karamles in Iraq, a familiar aroma fills the air. It is the scent of freshly made shawarma, burgers, and Lahm b-Ajeen, drawing customers from near and far. At the heart of this bustling little spot is Rana, a mother of four and the proud owner of a bistro that sits next to the local monastery. 

12-year-old Maryam from Syria dreams of becoming a teacher and uplifting her community
November 7, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Syria and Türkiye

12-year-old Maryam from Syria dreams of becoming a teacher and uplifting her community

In spite of the challenging environment of Syria, Maryam, a 12-year-old from Jeb Al Dam, remains determined to pursue her education and dreams of becoming a teacher. She hopes to be a part of the movement to rebuild her country after thirteen years of conflict and last year's earthquake have left all of Syria struggling, with millions in need of humanitarian aid. 

Nina from Moldova has been caring for her husband for over 20 years. Thanks to the services of a home care centre, she is not alone
November 4, 2024 News

Nina from Moldova has been caring for her husband for over 20 years. Thanks to the services of a home care centre, she is not alone

There are many lonely elderly people in Moldova. Young people leave the country to work abroad and often do not return. 75-year-old Nina has been taking care of her ill husband Pavel for a long time. Nurse Vera from the local home care centre opened by Caritas Czech Republic helps Nina with the care. 

I want to be helpful in Ukraine, says Denys as training courses funded by Caritas Czech Republic help him return to medicine
October 31, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

I want to be helpful in Ukraine, says Denys as training courses funded by Caritas Czech Republic help him return to medicine

The war in Ukraine has turned millions of civilian lives upside down. However, there are people who are ready to overcome any challenge. One of them is Denys, a father of three daughters who, after evacuating his family from the frontline Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, received a grant for his training from Caritas Czech Republic and successfully completed a therapeutic massage course. For Denys, this is an opportunity to resume his career path and improve his family's financial situation.

David's workshop brings new opportunities to Georgia’s mountain Racha region thanks to Caritas Czech Republic
October 24, 2024 News

David's workshop brings new opportunities to Georgia’s mountain Racha region thanks to Caritas Czech Republic

While studying in Tbilisi, David dreamed of returning to his home region of Racha to start his own workshop. Despite Racha's underdevelopment and limited job opportunities, David was driven to create employment for his community. With support from Caritas Czech Republic, he opened a metal and plastic workshop, employing five people. Now, David plans to expand, grow his team, and continue contributing to the development of his beloved Racha. 

She had to start from scratch. Today, Iqbal from Iraq is a successful seamstress
October 14, 2024 News

She had to start from scratch. Today, Iqbal from Iraq is a successful seamstress

This year marks 10 years since the invasion of Iraq by the self-proclaimed Islamic State, which forced millions of Iraqis to flee their homes. The same fate met Iqbal, who fled from Karakosh to Erbil to escape ISIS. To support her big family, she began creating handmade products. Today, Iqbal makes a successful living as a seamstress who also takes orders from abroad. She also manages to do this thanks to Caritas Czech Republic

Lives disrupted by a devastating war: Stories of Ahmad, Rula and Mai from Palestine
October 10, 2024 News

Lives disrupted by a devastating war: Stories of Ahmad, Rula and Mai from Palestine

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a breaking point. Amid relentless bombings and forced evacuations, thousands of families have been displaced and le without essential services. Despite these challenges, Caritas is working tirelessly to support those in need, providing medical care, food assistance, and psychological support. In the midst of this devastation, individuals like Ahmad, Rula, and Mai share their stories of survival, resilience, and hope for a better future.

Olga and her four children found a new home in the modular town built by Caritas Czech Republic in Neresnytsia, Ukraine
October 8, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

Olga and her four children found a new home in the modular town built by Caritas Czech Republic in Neresnytsia, Ukraine

Every day, thousands of civilians are moving from the frontline of Ukraine in evacuation trains. According to official reports, about 4 million have partially or completely lost their homes as a result of the ongoing attacks. Olga and her four children have settled in the new cosy house built by Caritas Czech Republic in the village of Neresnytsia in Transcarpathia. Here, in a modular town, they are joined by 30 other displaced people from the eastern and southern regions.

Success without borders: Businesses thriving in refugee settlements, post-war areas or underdeveloped mountain regions
October 8, 2024 News

Success without borders: Businesses thriving in refugee settlements, post-war areas or underdeveloped mountain regions

Imagine living in a place where everyday obstacles are more difficult than anywhere else. And yet, even in these conditions, there are people who can overcome the toughest challenges. What they need, however, is support at the beginning - to take their lives into their own hands. In refugee settlements, post-war areas or underdeveloped mountain regions, successful entrepreneurs are born thanks to the support of Caritas Czech Republic. Today, their businesses not only provide for their families, but bring jobs and a chance for a better life to entire communities.