Mourning Girl - symbol of the memorial site
“The cemetery in the village of Všemily in the Děčín region was founded in 1875 and served its purpose until 1945, when the village was completely depopulated. The project to save it was launched at the end of 2012 at the instigation of local enthusiasts and volunteers, as well as local natives who drew attention to its deplorable condition. We see the rescue of the cemetery as an important aspect of building on the history of our region, deepening interest in the place where we live and strengthening patriotism in an uprooted region,”
says Renata Hergetová, vice-president of Dolský mlýn, z.s. and
the good soul of the whole cemetery restoration.
"Workshop" Litomerice
Behind the project called “The Workshop”, a shared craft workshop in Litoměřice, are the efforts of local people who have turned a neglected 70-year-old abandoned wooden building, which for many years served only as a warehouse for unnecessary materials, into a vibrant centre for meetings and creative activities. Craft workshops, craft workshops for children and youth are held here; the space also serves as a background for creatives or startups. Here you can, for example, make a stork neck or a birdhouse or breathe new life into old and no longer needed items.
“Thanks to this, the Workshop has become a lively centre of the town, attracting not only local residents but also visitors from the surrounding area. This transformation is an excellent example of how innovative and socially beneficial projects can be used to revitalise derelict or neglected buildings and contribute to local community development,”
says Mgr. Jiří Rudolf, Director of the Institute of Technical Education, z.u.
The Botschen Chapel: a sacral jewel from Libouchec
In the village of Libouchec you will find a hidden Art Nouveau treasure. Chapel from the end of the 19th century. century belonged to the family of the manufacturer Friedrich Botschen, who is buried in the crypt under the building. Since 2017, the Botschen Chapel Restoration Association has been taking care of this unique building, including the adjacent forest park. The site is used for community activities, openings and professional tours. Not long ago, the devastated and dilapidated Chapel now has a new entrance door with a wrought-iron grille, a renovated roof and a facade on the front.
“In 2017, we founded the “Society for the Restoration of the Botschen Family Chapel in Libouchec”, into whose ownership the chapel was transferred. The fact that it ceased to be private property opened up opportunities for us to draw funds from public sources. We received our first major support a year later from the Ústí Community Foundation. A contribution of 100 thousand CZK was made by the Foundation. CZK 100 helped us to secure the chapel to prevent further dilapidation. The roof and ceiling were repaired. Subsequently, thanks to grants from the foundation, we were able to apply for larger subsidies or we had the means to co-finance them.”
recalls Jiřina Bischoffiová, chairwoman of the association’s board.
Journey from Ústí to Harvard: Supporting innovation in ophthalmology
Forbes included him in the “30 under 30” list, which each year presents a selection of exceptional Czech talents from the world of business, startups, science, sports and art. Vasil Kostin, who hails from Ústí nad Labem, had a dream; to complete an internship at Harvard University in the field of Ophthalmology. Thanks to the financial support of our foundation, he was able to fulfill this dream and continue with the topic of AI applications in ophthalmology.
“I would like to say a big thank you to the Ústí Community Foundation for supporting my trip to Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital, which has allowed me to continue my education in artificial intelligence in ophthalmology and to innovate the eye care environment. I greatly appreciate and thank you for this opportunity,”
by Vasil Kostin, a scholarship holder of our foundation