CARE International’s history in the Czech Republic
CARE started working in what was then Czechoslovakia in 1945, in the aftermath of World War II. The country was facing widespread destruction and severe shortages.
At the time, CARE had recently been founded in the United States to provide post-war aid. The organization began sending emergency relief in the form of CARE Packages.
Between 1946 and 1950, CARE distributed 170,000 CARE PACKAGEs , providing food, clothing, and essential supplies to families in need. These deliveries played an important role in helping communities recover during a time of crisis.
However, CARE’s presence in Czechoslovakia was cut short by the rise of the authoritarian communist regime.
In 2007, we gradually started renewing activities in the Czech Republic with the support of CARE Austria. CARE Czech Republic rebuilt its presence and partnerships in a transformed society.
In 2019, CARE Czech Republic became an independent organization and, five years later, a Member of CARE International.
Today, it stands as both a continuation of its historical legacy and a modern humanitarian actor contributing to global solidarity.
CARE Czech Republic’s work today
Today, CARE Czech Republic works alongside partners and communities worldwide as part of CARE International’s global mission.
In 2024, CARE Czech Republic implemented 12 projects across six countries. It focused on humanitarian aid and development cooperation in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, and the Czech Republic.
We contributed to efforts in countries affected by conflict, poverty, and climate change, including Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Initiatives combined emergency response with long-term development programs that strengthen resilience and support sustainable livelihoods.
Our key areas of work are:
- Humanitarian aid
- Making the economy work for women
- Gender equality
- Climate
We focus particularly on women and girls, who are often the most affected by crises but also key drivers of change. CARE Czech Republic supports them through access to resources, education, and economic opportunities.
Work in the Czech Republic
Besides our international work, CARE Czech Republic also works within the country. Through the Mastercard Strive Czechia program, we supported small and micro-entrepreneurs - many of them women - in developing their businesses and financial resilience.
CARE Czech Republic has also provided humanitarian aid during emergencies in the country. Following devastating floods in northern Moravia in 2024, we supported the reconstruction of schools and kindergartens, helping children return to safe environments and enabling families to regain stability.
Through both its international and domestic work, CARE Czech Republic connects its history as a recipient of aid with its current role as an active provider of support—helping build a more resilient and equal future.
Learn more about CARE Czech Republic’s work here.
