'It’s incredible to see how much of an impact we can make in their lives'
Mája Ambrozková, 25, Scout and programme coordinator at the Svitlo Community Centre in Prague.
NSO: Association of the Scouts and Guides of the Czech Republic
By Knowledge Network – Staff member
When Mája moved to Prague to pursue a master’s degree in social Geography and Regional Development, she was already a committed Scout with a strong interest in community work. Then the war in Ukraine began—and so did her most meaningful chapter of service: “My passion is learning and working in community development, so I jumped at the opportunity to join Czech Scouts in supporting Ukrainian refugees.”
Mája worked at the Svitlo Community Centre in 2023, a large facility with 15 rooms in the heart of Prague, created by the Czech Scouting Institute with support from the city municipality. Every day, it welcomes 150–200 Ukrainian refugees, offering a wide range of activities and services—from language courses and legal aid to youth clubs and psychological support.
It’s been my dream role at this point in my life.
As programme coordinator, Mája’s responsibilities were extensive: “I help to coordinate the daily timetables of activities and rooms, I’m in constant contact with different organisations and lecturers, and I help organise educational or community events.”
What makes the centre special, she explains, is its collaborative model. “One of the most unique and successful things about this project is how we’ve partnered with other organisations that specialise in different areas. Ukrainians come here and find everything they need under one roof.”
Community in action
The centre offers everything from health consultations to music and art classes. Importantly, many of the activities are led by Ukrainians themselves—refugees who have taken on volunteer roles or became lecturers: “Even within the centre, the Ukrainians have formed their own little community here. It’s impressive to see them trying to make the best of this challenging time.”
Adapting to evolving needs
Mája has also witnessed how the needs of refugees have shifted over time: “At the beginning, the struggles were more short-term—urgency, safety, shelter. Now, it’s about building a future. Finding jobs, learning the language, and gaining qualifications are top priorities.”
To respond to this, the centre has introduced employment counselling, courses on online jobs and software testing and high school entrance exam preparation for young people.
The most rewarding part is seeing the community and the connections that the refugees have been able to build for themselves here.
Despite the intensity of her role, Mája found it incredibly rewarding: “I’ve learned so much about myself and my abilities through this experience. It’s taught me the importance of setting healthy boundaries and listening to people’s stories and struggles.”
Looking to the future, she hopes the centre will continue to thrive: “It’s incredible to see how much of an impact we can make in their lives. I hope this centre continues to operate, because it’s truly making a difference for these families.”
About the author
The Knowledge Network – Staff member
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