We are three religious sisters of the Congregatio Jesu—Rachel, Antonia, and Silvia. For more than 15 years, we have been living and working in Jarovnice among families in a marginalized Roma community.
Every day, we meet children who are growing up in poverty and without the stimulation needed to prepare them for school. We see that if a child does not receive support early on, they carry that burden for the rest of their lives.
After years of experience, we know that early childhood education is the key to change. That is why we decided to take a step that goes beyond ordinary help. That is why we set out to build a preschool for 63 children.
We don't want to just mitigate the consquences.
Our goal is not only to prepare children for school, but to help them grow as individuals—so they can believe in themselves, make their own decisions, and find their place in life.
The education we draw inspiration from, based on the teachings of Mary Ward, is founded on respect for every child, the development of both mind and character, the promotion of independence and responsibility, and guidance toward empathy and service to others.
At this preschool, children will experience not only learning, but also acceptance, safety, and the attention that many of them lack at home. It will prepare them for elementary school, help them integrate into society, and create jobs within the community.
For many children, this will be the first place where they experience stability, support, and genuine care. For many, it will be their first real chance at a better start.
But we cannot do it without your help!
The building is ready. What's missing is the most important part.
We used funds from the Recovery Plan to construct the preschool. However, these funds covered only the construction itself. To turn the building into a place full of life, what is still missing is the essential equipment for the children.
From Congregatio Jesu's own resources, we have already covered more than €395,000. These funds went toward construction work, the kitchen, mandatory price indexation, and project and building approval costs.
Today, the completed Mary Ward Preschool building stands in Jarovnice. But to actually open its doors to children, we still need €194,625 for basic equipment:
- Kitchen and hot meal service: €49,997
- Laundry facilities: €13,899
- Classrooms and sleeping areas for 63 children: €81,934
- Staff and specialist facilities: €12,595
- Basic teaching aids, books, and toys: €35,000
- Safe traffic signage near the preschool: €1,200
Your contribution is not just about furniture or appliances.
Every donation helps build a great future through:
- a safe place where a child feels accepted,
- a warm lunch they can count on,
- a first experience that learning can be a joy,
- a chance for a child to grow into a young person who can stand on their own feet.
Thank you for giving children the space to thrive. 🤍
