Stories

How is Easter celebrated around the world: From Iraq through Ukraine to Zambia
April 15, 2025 Humanitární pomoc a rozvojová spolupráce Charity ČR

How is Easter celebrated around the world: From Iraq through Ukraine to Zambia

Did you know that Easter is celebrated in Iraq? And that there's an egg fight in Moldova on Easter Sunday? Or that in Zambia they eat eggplant during this holiday? Our colleagues from different Caritas Czech Republic’s offices across the world share how Easter is celebrated in their countries. For example, by feasting in the cemetery.

How is Caritas Czech Republic helping to rebuild war-damaged housing in Ukraine
April 9, 2025 News

How is Caritas Czech Republic helping to rebuild war-damaged housing in Ukraine

Hundreds of mangled windows, doors, and roofs, patched up with foil and blankets, are like war wounds on the fates of Ukrainian families holding onto their homes near the frontline. Thanks to you, we finally sleep in warmth and eat breakfast without outerwear,“ says Hryhorij from the Lozuvatka village in the Dnipro region. His family was one of the most vulnerable households supported by Caritas Czech Republic to repair their shell-damaged homes.

Motherhood in war. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, Lilya's family welcomes their child in a warm and bright home in the Kherson region
March 14, 2025 News

Motherhood in war. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, Lilya's family welcomes their child in a warm and bright home in the Kherson region

During the full-scale invasion, resilience became a symbol of Ukrainians. In particular, women who dare to give birth during the war in Ukraine. One of them is Lilya. Her eldest son is the same age as the Russian aggression against Ukrainians, and her second pregnancy passed in occupation. The couple fled their home to save the children and now live in an old village house near the front. Despite her trials, Lilya is currently pregnant. With the support of Caritas Czech Republic, the family prepared a new home for the baby's arrival.

16-year-old Ivan from Mariupol lost his parents in the war. Today, he is rebuilding his life with our support
February 18, 2025 News

16-year-old Ivan from Mariupol lost his parents in the war. Today, he is rebuilding his life with our support

We heard powerful explosions. We were told to pack our bags and leave,” recalls 16-year-old Ivan. He is one of 36 children evacuated by a Ukrainian couple in February 2022 from Mariupol and nearby villages before the Russians besieged the city and began to destroy it. The war has left Ivan a complete orphan. His home was damaged, and the city has been occupied for three years. Ivan got back on his feet thanks to the support of his guardians and friends in a settlement built by Caritas Czech Republic in Transcarpathia.

I was told it was too late for a new profession. The training from Caritas Czech Republic gave me self-confidence, says Tetiana from Ukraine
February 11, 2025 News

I was told it was too late for a new profession. The training from Caritas Czech Republic gave me self-confidence, says Tetiana from Ukraine

At the age of 49, Tetiana took up a new profession, upgrading her qualifications as a hairdresser-colourist with the help of a mini-grant from Caritas Czech Republic. “My previous job was much more harmful, unlike this one,” she says with a smile, reflecting on her 15 years of work at a metallurgical plant in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka, eastern Ukraine. Today, Tetiana works in a beauty salon and is motivated to improve her skills and stand on her own feet during challenging times.