March 19, 2025
News
Access to clean drinking water is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people worldwide still lack it. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2 billion people globally use contaminated water, leading to serious health risks. In low-income countries, including Moldova, many rural communities face significant challenges in accessing safe water. Schools, where children spend a significant portion of their day, are often the most affected. Caritas Czech Republic, with the financial help from European Union is addressing these issues by installing water filters in 15 schools in Moldova by 2026.
A step towards a healthier future
In Moldova, outdated infrastructure, inadequate water purification systems, and limited governmental resources result in unsafe drinking conditions for students. Many rural schools rely on wells or outdated plumbing systems that fail to meet national safety standards.
This situation leads to a high incidence of waterborne diseases, which negatively impact children's health and education. When children suffer from water-related illnesses, they miss school, and struggle with their education and development.
Caritas Czech Republic's contribution: installing water filters in rural schools
To tackle this pressing issue, Caritas Czech Republic has launched an initiative which aims to improve the well-being of vulnerable children in Moldova by ensuring better access to safe drinking water and sanitation. One of the key activities focuses on upgrading water supply systems by contracting service providers to install water filters in 15 rural schools across the country.
Installing water filtration systems significantly reduces contamination levels in drinking water, ensuring that students have access to safe and clean water throughout the school day. These systems help remove harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants that may cause serious health issues.
Caritas Czech Republic not only improves infrastructure but also raises awareness about hygiene and sanitation. Educating students, teachers, and local communities about proper hygiene practices ensures the long-term sustainability of improved water conditions. By working with local authorities, we help build a future where every school has a reliable, safe water supply.
The impact of this initiative extends beyond the school walls. Ensuring access to clean drinking water fosters a healthier environment for entire communities. By improving water conditions in schools, Caritas Czech Republic is helping shape a generation that values hygiene and understands the importance of safe drinking water.
While Moldova still faces challenges in providing clean water to all its rural areas, the efforts of organisations like Caritas Czech Republic mark a significant step forward. Through continued collaboration, investment, and awareness, Moldova can work towards a future where every child has access to safe drinking water, supporting their health, education, and overall well-being.
Initiatives with sustainable impact
Caritas Czech Republic is continuously focused on strengthening and improving social services in Moldova. We developed 2 new services Inter-generational Clubs and Occupational Therapy and helped to provide telemedicine consultations for people in vulnerable position living in remote locations. In Moldova, we also organised activities to integrate Ukrainian refugees into local communities and promoted civic activism.
Thanks to financial support from the Czech Development Agency, Caritas Czech Republic has also been instrumental in bringing about sustainable changes in the social services system in Moldova. With our support, two Supported Housing facilities were opened in the cities of Glodeni and Soroca. These facilities have become homes for people with mental health problems who received support in community integration, development of communication skills, and finding employment opportunities.
In Moldova, Caritas Czech Republic with the also focuses on support to people with disabilities. In 2023, we have opened two Supported Housing units in Glodeni and Soroca. These facilities have become homes for people with mental health problems, who received support in integrating into the community, developing communication skills and finding employment opportunities. We also trained 6 recovered people with their own experience of mental health problems to become peer supporters and supported them to be employed in community mental health services.
