SOS Children in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic came into being in 1993 following the dissolution of the former state of Czechoslovakia. It has two main regions, Bohemia in the west and Moravia in the east. Prague, the capital city, is a major tourist attraction and considered to be one of the most important cultural centres in Europe.

The charity began working in the former Czechoslovakia in the 1960s when the first community opened in Doubi, a suburb of the spa town of Karlový Váry (Carlsbad).  The SOS Children’s community in Doubi is about 10 km from the centre of town in an attractive woodland surrounding popular with walkers. It has twelve family houses for up to 78 children. The area is well equipped with local facilities; there is a hospital nearby and children attend local schools in Karlový Váry. A playground and a sports field were created to give the children an outdoor area to learn sports and to have fun. There are also two SOS Youth Homes for up to 27 older children in nearby Karlový Váry. The youths are supported by qualified social workers to take their first guided steps towards independence while they finish their studies or vocational training.

The second SOS Children’s Village Chvalčov in Moravia opened in 1973. In 1974 the state took over the management and administration of both villages and it was not until 1989 when the Communist government was overthrown that they were returned to SOS Children and a renovation programme began. Built in a spot well known for its beautifully wooded slopes and picturesque landscape, SOS Children's Village Chvalčov consists of nine family houses providing a new home for up to 59 children. The children attend the local primary school in Chvalčov and secondary schools in Bystřice. A playground was built in the centre of the SOS Children's Village, providing space for the children to exercise and play games. The village also has its own orchard and vegetable patch which the SOS families use to grow their own food. Youths who have outgrown the SOS Children's Village move to the SOS Youth Home in nearby Medlánky, where they can prepare themselves for an independent life.

A third village was built in Medlánky, near Brno in Southern Moravia. Opened in June 2002, the village has nine family houses for up to 59 children and a youth house. There is a community building on the village site which provides a space for the families to come together to celebrate festivities. The children have access to an activity house which runs workshops and a playground provides outdoor space.

At present there are three SOS Children's Villages in the Czech Republic, two SOS Youth Facilities and one SOS Mother and Staff Training Centre.

SOS Children in the Czech Republic
Sdruzeni SOS Detských Vesnicek, U Prasného mostu 50, 119 01 Praha-Hrad
Czech Republic

Tel +420/2/33335452
Fax +420/2/33 335452

e-mail: kvetuse.paichlova@sos-vesnicky.cz
http://www.sos-vesnicky.cz

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