We live in a fast-paced world where people often can’t have time for each other. Many active residents try to create opportunities to change that – starting with neighborhood events, which Via Foundation supports in various locations throughout the Czech Republic. “Stopping to chat, making time for friends — these things are disappearing from many of our lives. Sometimes living in a well-connected community is more important than focusing after achievements,” says community builder Aneta Macháčková from Horní Třešňovec, a village in the Orlický Mountain foothills. She operates community markets for local producers, which show how neighborhood activities can contribute to strengthening ties. We can also draw inspiration from the story of “Neighborhood walks” which connected four villages in the vicinity of Prague along the picturesque route of Přezletice, Podolanka, Dřevčice, and Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav. Krafferova Zahrada, a garden in the center of the town of Jindřichův Hradec, also hold events to bring people together. Because, ultimately, every neighborhood event is an opportunity to meet, get to know each other better, and work together to create an environment that is a joy to live in.
LOCAL MARKETS REMIND PEOPLE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO LIVE IN A CONNECTED COMMUNITY
Aneta Macháčková lives in Horní Třešňovec, a small village in the Orlicky Mountain foothills. “There are many talented producers in this area who are trying to be self-sufficient and make a name for themselves,” explains Aneta. With the help of her husband and a friend who lives in the neighboring village, she is organizing community markets where local producers sell their products. She wanted to show that we don’t always have to go to the store for things when our neighbors know how to weave baskets, repair chairs, sew, or make pottery. “The support from Via Foundation meant a lot to us. It improved not only our work, but also the work of those who decided to get involved. People got to know each other and connected, new collaborations between producers emerged, and local residents began to purchase quality ingredients from local farmers they didn’t know before,” says Aneta, who is already thinking about next year’s event. She believes that if people in the neighborhood support each other’s work, they can become a more self-sufficient community.
COMMUNITIES ARE CONNECTED BY MORE THAN JUST ROADS
How can we improve ties between neighbors, get to know each other better, and learn about activities in different communities? Perhaps through a neighborhood walk. Earlier this year, four communities near Prague – Přezletice, Podolanka, Dřevčice, and Brandýs nad Labem – Stará Boleslav – organized an event to do just that. “It turned out that these places are connected not only by roads, but also by a beautiful path through nature,” points out event organizer Iva Sládková from the Cesta spojuje (“Paths Connect”) association. During the seven-kilometer walk, neighbors could refresh themselves in each of the municipalities, but also learn about the activities of local associations and businesses. “Thanks to the support of Via Foundation, participants received a map of the route, but most importantly, a reward awaited them at the end – a theater production of a fairy tale for children and a music concert for adults,” explains Iva. The event attracted residents of all villages, from the youngest to the oldest. “We were delighted that the Neighborhood Walk not only brought neighbors together, but also inspired them to come up with other activities,” concludes Iva.
EVENTS AT A PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
Have you heard of Krafferovo Zahrada in Jindřichův Hradec? It is a public demonstration nature garden with a flower farm, flower shop and seasonal café that hosts a range of events, from workshops and themed events for children to music and theater performances. “We opened the garden to the public in 2021, and from the beginning, our goal has been to create a community of people who would care about what happens in the garden,” explains Michaela Zudová from the Krafferovo Zahrada association. They organized a public garden gathering last spring. “We dedicated the event to our community as a thank you, but mainly we saw it as an opportunity to get feedback on the garden’s activities,” she went on. Thanks to a grant from Via Foundation, the association, in collaboration with the Socionaut organization, was able to collect information using unconventional mapping methods, such as inviting people to create a map of the garden and a wishing tree. “We incorporated the feedback we received from people during the event into our future plans. And we are happy that we were able to meet new people who are interested in joining our efforts,” she concluded.
