On Saturday, June 21st, we gathered in Olomouc with donors, volunteers, and friends of Haiti to commemorate twenty years of humanitarian assistance that the Archdiocesan Charity Olomouc (ACHO) has been providing to the people of this deeply afflicted Caribbean country. The thanksgiving event served not only as a reflection on our work but, above all, as an expression of gratitude to all those who have supported Haiti over the years through prayer, financial support, and personal service.

We began the program with a Holy Mass in the Chapel of St. Anne, celebrated by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Czech Republic, Mons. Jude Thaddeus Okolo. Having served in Haiti as a diplomat from 2007 to 2013, his deep understanding of the local situation brought a profound spiritual strength to the gathering.

The afternoon continued at the headquarters of the Olomouc charity. After a welcoming address by the host, Irena Urbani, ACHO Director Václav Keprt offered words of thanks for the full twenty years of committed help to Haiti. A following interview with Mons. Okolo provided a strong message of encouragement: despite the many uncertainties, Haiti remains a land of hope, where the determination of its people continues to overcome even the hardest obstacles.

Director Keprt spoke plainly about the current reality: “Yes, today many of the schools we built are not operating. But that does not mean they are meaningless. When the time is right, we will reopen them—and with God’s help and your continued support, we will once again bring education to children in remote areas.”

The program also included the premiere of the documentary A Day in Haiti by director Vít Kanyza. This raw and authentic insight into the daily lives of children and staff in the field stirred strong emotions and reminded us all why we continue our mission.

During discussion blocks, we heard personal stories from coordinators, doctors, volunteers, and those who stood at the beginnings of the Distance Adoption Program. These shared memories—sometimes moving, other times joyful—revived the spirit of solidarity that binds us all together.

One of the most touching moments of the day was a live video connection with our partner school in Baie de Henne. The children sang a song of thanks, holding up signs with the names of Czech volunteers and workers who have served in Haiti over the years. It was powerful. It was honest. And it was deeply human.

This gathering was a testimony—a testimony that twenty years of work in Haiti have not faded away with time. They live on in concrete people, in stories, in the children who were given a chance. And above all, it showed that our work still matters. Because helping Haiti is not a trend—it’s a commitment. And commitment has a future.

The celebration also included a photo exhibition capturing the twenty-year journey of our projects. For those who could not attend, the exhibition will also be displayed at the upcoming Days of People of Goodwill in Velehrad.

Thank you to all who came. And thank you to all who continue to walk with us in service to Haiti.

Roman Musil, Coordinator for Haiti