November 9, 2023
News
Ten years ago, when she was at the birth of Caritas Czech Republic's office in Zambia, no one could predict that Tea Tihounová would succeed in building one of our most successful foreign branches. During Caritas Czech Republic's ten years of work, our organisation has significantly helped to improve the situation of countless people in Zambia and their living conditions. The Zambia engagement eventually proved fatal for Tea. This year marks five years since she succumbed to malaria.
10 years of success
Zambia is a beautiful and dynamic country. Yet the living conditions of most of its people are difficult. It is also a country hard hit by climate change. This poses additional challenges for locals, as agriculture plays an important role in Zambia and a large part of the population depends on it for their livelihoods. However, the living conditions of the people are being successfully and permanently changed for the better, and Caritas Czech Republic has played a significant role in this, having managed to launch a comprehensive aid programme in Zambia during its ten years of operation.
Caritas Czech Republic helps farmers withstand climate change, introduces agricultural innovations and efficient farming methods. As a partner of the UNHCR, it also supports the refugees in the country who are struggling to find work in their new country. We provide them with training or study grants so that they can become self-sufficient. In rural areas, we develop financial literacy, connect farmers with buyers and support locals to set up their own businesses and employ other people. Caritas Czech Republic has also increased the availability and quality of care for pregnant women and mothers, and has been instrumental in the long-term reduction of neonatal and maternal mortality. Caritas Czech Republic owes its dynamic and successful work in Zambia in part to Tea Tihounová, whose enthusiasm, energy, empathy and skills have been behind the development of Caritas Czech Republic’s largest foreign office.
A never-fading smile and enthusiasm
Tea is remembered by her colleagues as an incredibly dynamic, positive and smiling woman who loved life with all its challenges and who knew how to turn her dreams and plans into reality. At the same time, she was very intelligent and capable, and was able to enthuse and support those around her for a common cause. She wanted wholeheartedly to help and change the world for the better, so it is not surprising that she focused her life on helping disadvantaged people. It was her personality and abilities that enabled her to build a strong and cohesive team in Zambia and launch many aid programmes.
When Tea passed away unexpectedly at the age of thirty-nine, she left behind a vast amount of accomplishment in Zambia, tens of thousands of people whose lives she had made a significant and lasting difference to. Her colleagues still remember Tea as a huge inspiration. Today, Caritas Czech Republic in Zambia is successfully following in her footsteps.
Not being afraid of innovation
Tea Tihounová was not afraid of new challenges and innovations. And this spirit prevails in the Caritas Czech Republic's work. For refugees in Zambia's refugee settlements, one of the biggest challenges is the limited options for economic self-sufficiency. Caritas Czech Republic helps them learn a trade or acquire the basics of business so they can set up their own businesses. This provides a source of livelihood for themselves, their families and often creates employment opportunities for others in the community. New tailoring shops, bakeries, restaurants, refrigerator repair shops, thriving farms, and even a computer centre were created in Zambia. A new innovation that we have recently introduced is honey production. Despite initial mistrust, dozens of refugees have already taken part in the beekeeping course and honey production has become a profitable business for them.
Caritas Czech Republic also uses innovative practices to combat the effects of climate change. This includes using something as common as a mobile phone. The phone provides farmers with important information so that they know when rainfall is coming and what to grow at a given time, or what crops can withstand climate shocks. They can also easily get their products to market via mobile phone. We also help introduce farmers to sustainable farming methods or encourage the use of energy-efficient cooking methods, such as the use of green charcoal.
The world is changing rapidly, bringing not only new challenges but also opportunities. And that includes in development cooperation. Caritas Czech Republic can, like Tea Tihounová once did, successfully seize them.
In Zambia, we can help thanks to the generous support of our donors. Thank you for helping with us.
