October 8, 2024
News
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.
Zambia - a cook in a refugee settlement
In the heart of the refugee settlement of Mayukwayukwa in Zambia, a variety of dishes smell from the bistro that young chef Deborah has opened here. The 27-year-old mother of two has found a new path to success in a challenging environment. Thanks to a five-month cooking course she completed with the support of Caritas Czech Republic, she has gained the necessary skills and courage to open her own bistro. "I learned a lot of useful things," says Deborah, praising the course that changed her life.
With initial financial support from Caritas Czech Republic, Deborah embarked on her business journey. "I used the money to buy everything you see here," she says proudly of her little bistro. Although beginnings are tough and customers are few, Deborah has plans for the future. "I want to focus on cooking rice, not many people do that here," confides the young chef, who now mainly serves the traditional Zambian dish nshima in her bistro. Her story is proof that with support at the beginning and determination, it is possible to succeed even in a challenging environment like a refugee settlement.
Iraq - a workshop in a post-war area
In the Iraqi town of Bartella, scarred by the conflict with the Islamic State, a new spark of hope has been lit. Twenty-six-year-old Fouad, who has struggled since childhood with a speech impediment caused by a car bombing, has found his way to success thanks to the support of Caritas Czech Republic. Fascinated by electricity since he was a young boy, Fouad used the grant and training in business skills to set up his own electrical appliance repair shop. "Since I was a kid, I've loved working with electrical appliances and electricity in general," Fouad confides.
With initial funding from Caritas Czech Republic, Fouad purchased special machinery and equipment for his workshop. He now successfully repairs fans, ovens and lights for satisfied customers all over the area. "People are very happy with his work," confirms our colleague Steven. Although working with electricity comes with its own risks, Fouad handles his profession with confidence thanks to the experience he has gained and his training in occupational safety. His story is proof that with the right support at the beginning, even people in post-war areas can find a path to independence and success. Fouad now dreams of expanding his workshop, "I want to open a bigger space in the future and build a factory to repair electrical equipment."
Georgia - traditional wool products in underdeveloped mountain areas
In the remote village of Zemo Alveni in an underdeveloped region of Georgia, five women decided to revive a craft tradition they had learned from their grandmothers. "As children, we used to play when our grandmothers were making the so-called teka craft," recalls Tamar, one of the workshop's founders. Together they formed a women's collective and decided to continue this traditional production, which includes bags, rugs, decorations and other products made from wool. They received a grant from Caritas Czech Republic which enabled them to renovate the premises and buy the necessary equipment. "Thanks to the Caritas Czech Republic's support, we were able to get our workshop up and running," Tamar praises.
The women are also working with another local entrepreneur whom Caritas Czech Republic helped process wool from Georgian sheep. Although their products find customers mainly in shops and tourist destinations in Tbilisi, their dream is to spread interest in traditional crafts among young people. "It would be great if young people were also interested in this type of products, we are trying to entice them to do this so that the craft tradition is passed on to the next generation," says Tamar.
Caritas Czech Republic helps people in disadvantaged regions get back on their feet
The stories of Fouad, Deborah and the Georgian Women's Collective are living proof of how targeted support at the outset can transform the lives of individuals and entire communities. Whether it is a young electrician in post-war Iraq, a mother of two in a Zambian refugee settlement, or a group of women processing wool in the mountains of Georgia, all of these people have been given the chance to stand on their own feet thanks to Caritas Czech Republic’s initial support. This support is not just a short-term solution, but an investment in the future.
By providing not only funding but also vocational training and mentoring, Caritas Czech Republic enables people in difficult life situations to develop their skills and start or develop their own businesses. These new businesses then not only provide a livelihood for their founders but often become important community hubs, creating jobs and inspiring others. Fouad, Deborah and the women of Georgia are now the ones who can help others and contribute to the recovery and development of their regions. Their success is proof that with the right support at the beginning, anyone can overcome even the most difficult obstacles and become a positive force for change in their community.
