November 3, 2021
Interviews
On their business trip to Georgia, the Czech Senators Miluše Horská and Miroslav Adámek visited many places, where the development projects funded by Czech development cooperation have been implemented. Accompanied by the team of Caritas Czech Republic, the implementer of those interventions, the Senators visited rural as well as urban primary health care centres, children hospice, long-term care unit for children with severe disabilities, and the newly built family-style housing for persons with disabilities. In the end of their visit, we talked with Miluše Horská about the cooperation between the Czech Republic and Georgia.
Georgia is among the priority countries of Czech development cooperation. Based on your impressions, how do you see the ongoing development cooperation between the Czech Republic and Georgia?
To be honest, I am very excited about it. I have been a senator for years and I know that the political environment is prone to arguments and fighting for power. In Georgia, on the other hand, I see a working and meaningful partnership. And that is great.
Where do you see the reasons for the partnership being so effective?
The Czech Republic has chosen a country that is close to us and we have common history. Both countries were Russian satellites, consequences of which we can still feel today. These things unite us, and I can feel it also in our development cooperation. We are not only a donor and a recipient, but also the partners. There is a lot we – Czechs – can learn from Georgians, and Georgians are aware that we did not come here to tell them what to do.
You had a chance to personally see the provided assistance as well as how Caritas Czech Republic works. What is your impression about that?
I am well aware of the work that Czech NGOs abroad, so I was expecting to see positive changes in Georgia as well. And honestly, I am thrilled.
When I see the work that Caritas Czech Republic and other NGOs are doing, it is a confirmation that the development cooperation is effective and makes sense. It only makes me sad to see that NGOs are often labelled as something evil, even by some politicians.
Why do you think that development cooperation is not that much talked about, at least among the general public?
At home, we do not appreciate what we have. We are a rich country and we lack the experience of going abroad and getting direct experience of conditions other people live in. I believe that it is necessary to focus more on transmitting the direct experience, which for example NGOs have, to the people who are lacking it.
Here in Georgia, the working relationship between the Czech Republic and local authorities is very effective. I am happy when these development projects are implemented, and lives of individual people as well as the society as a whole are changing for the better. Caritas Czech Republic and other NGOs are creating a good name for the Czech Republic, especially in times like these when we are seen by the West with a lot of doubt.
Is there something that can be done with it?
First of all, I think that the general public should receive more information about Czech development assistance and the role that NGOs play in it.
It is not only about providing Czech funding to less-developed countries, but also about the reputation of the Czech Republic and the ability of Czech NGOs to operate effectively. It is great to see that some foreign development agencies have decided to approach Czech NGOs when looking for a partner. These agencies trust our NGOs and have good experience with them.
Being able to deliver development aid effectively and meaningfully is our know-how, and – as I believe – we should talk about it more and show the examples of good practice.
How do you see the future of the cooperation between our two countries?
I see that Georgia is not a partner who will give up on the changes and work when our support finishes. Georgians really want to change their society, and that is crucial.
One of the things we are aiming at is for Georgia to enter the European Union. Thanks to the mutual trust, we might be able to play a guiding role to make the process as easy as possible for them. The area, where I see a lot of potential for cooperation and using our expertise is the area of unemployment, and job creation.
I am also pleased that the society is ready for the changes and I see no signs of resistance or opposition to them. It makes me happy that the door for cooperation and changes are open on the Georgian side. It is great feedback for us, the Czech state, as well as for you who directly work on projects here.
What did you enjoy most in Georgia and what feelings are you leaving with?
Georgia is a beautiful country with natural beauty, rich history, and delicious food, and has lot to offer and industry and businesses can be built here.
I always look people in the eye and even autistic children smile here, so that is a signal to me that Georgians are good people and that relationships and humanity come first here.
