Archive: Society | Family Family
British community marks royal wedding in Prague
Millions around the world are watching with bated breath as preparations
conclude for the United Kingdom’s royal wedding on Friday. Interest in
the Czech Republic is of course rather marginal, but Prague’s English
community is looking forward to celebrating the marriage of Prince William
and Kate Middleton from afar. We found out some of the events set to take
place in the Czech capital. More
The Little Clown Project – a new generation of Czech volunteers at work
In the Czech Republic, where the state controlled everything under
Communism, volunteering does not enjoy a long tradition. But some 20 years
after the demise of the former regime, more and more young volunteers are
actively changing the face of their country. One of them is Petra
Milsimerová, who runs a project called Little Clown. More
Children of difficult divorces are increasingly institutionalised
The daily Mladá fronta Dnes on Friday published the story of an
11-year-old boy who was confined to a psychiatric ward for six months after
the court found his mother unfit to care for him and he refused to see his
father. For most of that time, he was allowed to see his mother for only an
hour a week and was kept in harsh institutional conditions despite the fact
that he is completely healthy mentally and physically. What’s more, Alan
is not the only child in the country who has been institutionalised because
of his parents’ problems. There may in fact be dozens of such cases, and
parents whose children have been involuntarily institutionalised are now
preparing a lawsuit against the state. Earlier today I spoke with Klára
Trubačová, who heads the child protection office of the Ministry of
Labour and Social Affairs, who told Radio Prague more about the case of
Alan and the general problem in the Czech Republic that it points to. More
Taking Valentine’s Day seriously and drinking fresh milk
In this week’s edition of Panorama: it wasn’t only chocolates and roses
for couples in love on Valentine’s Day – some opted for a spiritual
celebration of the lovers’ holiday, getting fresh produce from the farm
to people’s doorsteps, and using fish to protect the public against a
terrorist attack.
More
Expectant mothers scramble to register at hospitals as health crisis looms
As the government struggles to find a solution to a looming crisis in the
health sector, hospitals around the country are bracing for the worst. Over
3,800 doctors have handed in their notice in protest against low wages and
as of March, when the resignations take effect, many state hospitals and
clinics may find themselves in big trouble – to the point of being unable
to provide acute care. One of the worst affected areas is said to be the
field of pre-and-post-natal care and expectant mothers are scrambling to
register at hospitals where they will be sure to get medical attention.
Radio Prague spoke to dr. Petr Velebil head of pre-natal care at Prague’s
Podolí hospital – one of the country’s largest specialized centers for
pre and post natal care- to find out just how badly they may be hit. More
Home births on trial after boy left with brain damage in botched delivery
Home births are currently under the spotlight in the Czech Republic; a
trial began in Prague last week involving the chairwoman of the country’s
Union of Midwives. Ivana Königsmarková, one of the very few Czech midwives
qualified to deliver babies at home, faces up to four years in prison after
overseeing a botched delivery that left a baby boy severely brain damaged.
She denies any wrongdoing. More
Tradition of Christmas tree collections for children’s homes dates back over 80 years
On Sunday, which was the first Sunday of Advent, the lights were switched
on on Christmas trees on main squares around the Czech Republic. But there
is more to the brightly decorated evergreens than creating a seasonal
spirit: in many cities and towns charity collections are held at the trees,
with visitors donating cash and gifts to Czech children’s homes. It is a
tradition that dates back more than eight decades. More
Magazine
Bare students, bear tracks, bureaucratic howlers, and gum free public
places. Plus the not so promising precedents for sealing the knot at an
historic Prague theatre. Find out about all that and more in this week’s
magazine by Chris Johnstone. More
National Theatre plans offer of wedding services
Holding your wedding at a country castle or chateau in the Czech Republic
is nothing unusual – a service used by countless couples. But now, even
Prague’s National Theatre might be getting into the game. It turns out
that couples may soon be able to get married either in a salon at the
theatre or even on stage at the historic Estates Theatre. Some, however,
have already come out against the idea. More
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