Stories

February 21, 2024 CCR-Iraq

Ghufran started her cooking business thanks to Caritas Czech Republic

Iraq is still suffering the consequences of years of armed conflict and political unrest. The country was hit hardest by the invasion of the self-proclaimed Islamic State, which forced millions of Iraqis to flee their homes. One of them is Ghufran, whom Caritas Czech Republic helped launch a cooking business.

February 20, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Ukraine

When I work, I forget about bad thoughts, says Yulia from Lysychansk, Ukraine, who found safe shelter in a modular house built by Caritas Czech Republic in Mukachevo

Western Ukraine has become a safe place for people fleeing from Russian military aggression against Ukraine. Julia and her elderly mother arrived here in the spring of 2022 after their hometown Lysychansk was attacked by the Russian army. They cannot go back because the city is occupied. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, Yulia found safe accommodation and now works at local sewing factory.

February 16, 2024 All news

There is no life, no dignity, no humanity. Just indescribable suffering, says Marcel about the war in Gaza

The tragic escalation of the war between Hamas and Israel is now in its fifth month. It leaves behind an indescribable level of destruction and suffering, especially in Gaza. The humanitarian situation on the ground is catastrophic. More than two million people, half of whom are children, are living in inhumane conditions without adequate access to drinking water, food, shelter or healthcare.

February 6, 2024 Caritas Czech Republic in Syria and Türkiye

We lost everything in the earthquake. I pray that things will get better, says Emine from Türkiye

Emine and her husband lived in an old house. When the earthquake struck Türkiye last February, their house collapsed within moments, trapping them both inside. "We couldn't get out. We were scared, we didn't want to die. We started praying for it to be over," Emine recalls while sitting outside a container in a makeshift town on the outskirts of Malatya, Türkiye. The earthquake took the lives of nearly 60,000 people, and millions more lost their homes. A year after the earthquake, Emine and her husband continue to live in a temporary shelter.

January 15, 2024 All news

We are very grateful for the care we receive, says Svetlana from Moldova. Her entire family benefits from the services of the home care centre

Moldova is among the poorest countries in Europe. Young people leave the country to seek employment abroad. Healthcare and social services face a shortage of workers to provide care for seniors and people with disabilities. Often, family members like Svetlana and Anatolli, both in their sixties, have to take care of their daughter Oksana. However, they are not alone, thanks to the services of the home care centre.

January 10, 2024 CCR-Moldova

We have put our lives on hold, say two Ukrainian sisters who have taken refuge in Moldova

Svetlana and Victoria, two sisters from Odesa, Ukraine, had a comfortable and peaceful life until the outbreak of the war. When the bombings intensified, the sisters, aged 39 and 36, along with their elderly father and children, embarked on a search for a safe refuge, which they eventually found in the town of Comrat in Moldova.

January 9, 2024 CCR-Iraq

Sarah had to flee ISIS. Now, she runs a sewing business  

Sarah is a 58-year-old mother of six from Iraq. She never finished her education as she was busy taking care of the household. After having to flee her hometown because of the so-called Islamic State, Sarah found a skill that could help her provide for her family: sewing. Caritas Czech Republic helped her grow her business through providing her with a business management training and a grant, with which she could invest in better equipment.

January 5, 2024 All news

Grants and business trainings from Caritas Czech Republic help build a new generation of women entrepreneurs in Iraq

In Iraq, life for women who dream of being entrepreneurs is not easy. They are often expected to keep a more traditional role in the family, but this is starting to change. Qadisiya, Elham, and Muna are three of the entrepreneurs supported by Caritas Czech Republic who received grants and business training.

December 20, 2023 CCR-Moldova

From lifeguard to an aspiring firefighter: The story of an ambitious young refugee from Ukraine

In the refugee placement centre in Calarasi, Moldova, we met Maxim Lesciuk, an 18-year-old from Odesa. A tennis champion and sports enthusiast, Maxim was due to enroll in firefighting school from the autumn of 2022. He was eager to serve and protect people in emergency situations. Maxim’s plans, and the dreams of many others, were shattered when the war came and disrupted everything.

December 5, 2023 News

Stories of hope that will make you smile this Christmas

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.

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Ghufran started her cooking business thanks to Caritas Czech Republic

When I work, I forget about bad thoughts, says Yulia from Lysychansk, Ukraine, who found safe shelter in a modular house built by Caritas Czech Republic in Mukachevo

There is no life, no dignity, no humanity. Just indescribable suffering, says Marcel about the war in Gaza

We lost everything in the earthquake. I pray that things will get better, says Emine from Türkiye

We are very grateful for the care we receive, says Svetlana from Moldova. Her entire family benefits from the services of the home care centre

We have put our lives on hold, say two Ukrainian sisters who have taken refuge in Moldova

Sarah had to flee ISIS. Now, she runs a sewing business

Grants and business trainings from Caritas Czech Republic help build a new generation of women entrepreneurs in Iraq

From lifeguard to an aspiring firefighter: The story of an ambitious young refugee from Ukraine

Stories of hope that will make you smile this Christmas

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