Within the project KS08 “Partnership for Social Inclusion in Kosovo” representatives of the non-governmental organization Center for Lifelong Learning Lighthouse made a study visit to the Czech Republic in the period from October 14th to 22nd.
During the first day of visit a tour of the home for single mothers and children “Home of St. Margarite” in Brno was organized. The Home was established by Caritas Brno and it owns 28 sleeping units for single mothers and their children. Project manager and social workers presented the work of institutions and work programmes to the beneficiaries. The same day Center for Lifelong Learning Lighthouse team attended a presentation which was held in volunteering center Caritas Brno. Coordinator of Volunteers talked about the importance of their engagement in projects that are carried out by Caritas Brno.
On October 16th a visit to Center for Homeless People Caritas Brno was made. This center gives users a place to sleep, meals, clean clothes and kits for personal hygiene. Advisors are available to all users. Within Center, there is a field service. Field activates are centered on making the first contact with a homeless person and giving them information about services that center gives.
The next day Lighthouse team visited social services in town Hodonin. The staff of Center for Lifelong Learning Lighthouse had a chance to see the way Home for Single Mothers with Children works in that town. Home for single mothers was established by Caritas Brno and Caritas Hodonin with the support of European Social Fond. Services of the home apply to single mothers who are in social need. Aside from Home they give an advising service in order to prepare mothers for independent life.
After the visiting staff of Center for Lilfelong Learning Lighthouse attended a meeting with workers in Center for Addicts Vazka. During the visit, the Lighthouse team got information about the way of working and services which are available to users. Center for addicts gives advising services to people addicted to psychoactive substances, social therapy services, hygienic services, they can be tested (for drugs, pregnancy, and diseases) and daily staying. This center organizes meetings of the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Visit to Prague
Prague was the second destination of the study visit. On the first day of staying in Prague, four meetings were held between the staff of CLL Lighthouse and Employees of Caritas Czech Republic. The first meeting was with Chief of Economic Department of Caritas. Chief of Economic Department talked about sources of financing projects and available funds. Next meeting was with the Manager of HR who presented the new approach of making a rulebook for work of the organization.
The third meeting was with the Assistant Secretary General of Caritas Czech Republic. In this meeting Staff of Center for Lifelong Learning Lighthouse had a chance to see the network of Caritas in more detail on a global plan. The last meeting was with an Intern of Department of Humanitarian Aid and Cooperation. During the last meeting staff of CLL Lighthouse was presented with two ongoing projects of Caritas Czech Republic.
On October 19th Chief of Department for Humanitarian Aid and Cooperation Jiri Skvor held the meeting with Staff of Center for Lifelong Learning Lighthouse in the premises of Caritas Check Republic. Manager for Central Asia, Georgia and Balkan Evzen Divis attended the meeting. Lighthouse briefly presented ongoing projects and plans which are related to cooperation on projects in the future.