Women are often drivers of community life. Today, we shine a spotlight on the inconspicuous yet persistent community efforts of a number of women in South Bohemia. Via Foundation supported them through our small community grants program. One group is pioneering a community trailer called the “Shepherdess on Wheels” (“Pastýřka na kolech”) to connect several villages; in the town of Domanín, local mothers are reviving a hilltop meeting place, and in Skopytce three cousins transformed an unused bus stop into a cozy place for children and passersby. These women are bringing neighbors together in creative ways.
RE-INVENTING A HILLTOP OPEN SPACE
Výhon is the highest point in Domanín, a town near Třebon. The hill is a popular walking destination for local residents. “The site had gradually become overgrown and was losing its charm. I’m part of a moms’ group that loves to take on community projects, so we decided to tackle Výhon and turn it into a beautiful and welcoming place open to everyone – a place that can bring people together,” says Jana Chmelová of the Domanín Moms Association. A grant from Via Foundation gave them the boost they needed to clean up the site and install stone benches, a campfire circle and a wooden swing. “People have responded very positively. They are happy to see the site looking trim and tidy and that there’s a new seating area where you can rest or chat with neighbors. Most of all, we’re glad that we have a new place that anyone can use, anytime,” added Jana Chmelová.
A BUS STOP GETS A NEW LEASE ON LIFE
Once upon a time, there was a neglected, forlorn little bus stop in the village of Skopytce near Soběslav. The bus stop had ceased to serve its original purpose some years ago, due to reductions in bus lines. Three cousins – Kristýna, Lucie, and Michaela – came up with the idea of beautifying the bus stop and turning it into a gathering place. “We wanted to liven up the village square and bring local children and their parents together through a collaborative project. We also wanted to create a place where hikers and cyclists passing through the village could stop and rest,” explained Kristýna Veselá. Thanks to a grant from Via Foundation, the bus stop in Skopytce was renovated and, by special request from the children, a foosball table and a bookshelf were added. Today, the bus stop features a historical information board with period photographs of the village, a bookshelf filled with children’s books, and a small gallery of children’s paintings created during an art workshop. “It was so rewarding to see the kids helping to create the space, so enthusiastically. And we’re thrilled that the revitalized bus stop has already begun serving as a new meeting place,” added Kristýna Veselá.
DÍVČICE: A COMMUNITY TRAILER CONNECTS VILLAGES
The town of Dívčice lies about 20 kilometers from the city of České Budějovice in South Bohemia. There is no public transportation between Dívčice and nearby villages, making it hard for children or elderly residents to get to the library in the next village over, or meet people from “over there”. Local changemaker Daniela Werbynská Laschová of the association Dívčicko came up with the idea of connecting the remote settlements with a community trailer, which she has dubbed the Shepherdess on Wheels. “I want to connect the villages. I’d like to hold events in the trailer that bring people together – like Sunday breakfasts for moms,” said Daniela, who has a history of organizing traditional events as well as kids’ summer camps. “I love taking action, not just complaining or waiting for other people to do things,” she added. With the help of a Via Foundation grant, the group is refurbishing the trailer to serve both as a gathering place and a library on wheels. The Shepherdess on Wheels is scheduled to take its first outing this spring.
