Over 60 young people from different parts of the Czech Republic gathered on Tuesday, July 15, in the garden of the Czech presidential castle in Lány. They were invited by President Petr Pavel and First Lady Eva Pavlová, who thanked them for their courage and desire to improve the world around them. It was an unforgettable day – almost everyone shed a tear or two – and many participants came away with a fresh source of encouragement.
Via was honored to help organize the event again this year. While last year’s gathering celebrated community leaders from remote regions of the Czech Republic, this year’s event focused on young people. And once again, many of the participants were people Via has been able to support, thanks to our donors.
“Looking at comments and news on social media might make you think that we live in one of the worst countries in the world. But my impression from traveling around the Czech Republic is quite the opposite. And that’s thanks to individuals who are helping other people, despite the many challenges they face. Individuals like each of you. Your efforts make our country a better place and show that we are an optimistic, successful and cohesive country that can work together as a team,” said President Petr Pavel at the opening welcome.
After the opening welcome, the presidential couple went to talk to groups of participants – about what they do, why they do it and the challenges they face. It was inspiring to hear so many different stories, about organizing charity events, community and cultural events, to volunteering in hospitals and helping children from Ukraine. And we at Via Foundation were delighted that the event participants included teams supported by Via. These are young men and women who are taking the initiative, whose activities are transforming the places where they live for the better.
Zdenek Mihalco, director of Via Foundation, thanked the participants and donors: “Our grantees often tell us: ‘It’s nothing, just a small thing’. But we take a different view of your efforts. Thanks to what you do, a lot of good things are happening in the Czech Republic, and thanks to you, some people have a better life. And that is definitely not insignificant. We know that it is not always easy for you, and that is why we are honored that, along with our donors, we can help you in your community efforts.”
In addition to Via Foundation, officers from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award (DofE) helped select the event participants. The organization Díky, že můžem (“Thanks, We Can”) and Via donors also helped make the event possible.
Below you can read about three groups of young people who were honored at the event.
A group of friends from Příbram helps children from low-income families
Another group in Příbram organizes a three-day festival that supports a local youth center. We were able to support them in their very first year.. “We donate the proceeds from the festival to children who live in boarding houses. It allows them to pay for their free-time activities to help them reintegrate into society,” says one of the organizers, Veronika Velátová. The group has also organized the Divfest theater festival, which enlivened Příbram with 14 performances and other events.
Young people built a shelter for hikers in Vápenná
Students of the Montessori school in the town of Vápenná restored the site of a former Sudeten village. The town is located in the heart of the remote Rychlebské Mountains. The students cleaned out a natural spring, built a bell tower and a shelter. For the grand opening, they organized a festival with music, creative workshops and a theater performance in which they acted, commemorating four important places in the former village. Around 250 people attended the festival. From the guest book the students placed in the shelter, they know that hikers often visit the place and spend the night there.
Engaging people with disabilities
Classmates at a high school in Cheb organized a charity afternoon for a social therapy workshop in the city which helps people with disabilities. The event included screenings of interviews with clients that they filmed themselves, workshops, walking training with a cane, wheelchair riding and a choir concert as the grand finale. The group created a magical atmosphere, engaged their friends and the local community, help integrate people with disabilities and were nominated for a civic engagement award for their work.
There were so many stories – so many that left us all speechless: a young woman spoke about volunteering by reading The Little Prince to people in comas. One day, a girl unexpectedly woke up – and remembered the story. And finally, 16-year-old Daniil from Kharkiv, Ukraine, shared his story in fluent Czech, telling the audience how Czech volunteers inspired him to give back. He now tutors children from marginalized communities in Pilsen.
