The Soroptimists from Brno have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability through their longstanding initiative supporting sheltered workshops across the Czech Republic.
This multi-faceted project, which is recurring every year, partnered with several organisations that employ individuals with mental, physical, or visual impairments. Through creative collaboration with grammar school students and the wider community, the Czech Soroptimists provided a vital platform for these workshops by collecting and selling their handmade products at local Christmas markets.
The initiative had two major outreach points: one during the traditional St. Nicholas event organised by Sokol Brno Řečkovice, where festive goods, hot toddy, and tea were sold alongside homemade cookies; and another in collaboration with I. Německé zemské gymnasium, where students played a central role in preparing and running the Christmas market. Under the guidance of a Soroptimist member, students even baked gingerbread cookies and chose to donate proceeds to purchase kitchen equipment for a children’s home in Budkov — a beautiful gesture of youth-led philanthropy.
This project touches deeply on key Soroptimist programme objectives: education, women’s empowerment, health, and sustainability. By promoting products made from recycled materials, the project also supports the principles of a circular economy.
Perhaps most powerfully, the project fosters dignity and belonging. The artisans in sheltered workshops expressed heartfelt gratitude for being seen and valued. As one message of thanks conveyed, simply having a market for their work is an affirmation of their worth and contribution to society.
Thanks to 220 volunteer hours, collaboration with students, and the efforts of SI Brno, over 900 individuals benefited directly from this initiative. With every handmade ornament or gingerbread sold, the Czech Soroptimists are proving that small actions, when rooted in empathy and solidarity, can have a transformative impact.
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