The Inspiring Story of Lecturer and Mentor Vlaďka Fajtlová!
For nearly 30 years, Chance 4 Children has been supporting children in children’s homes across the Czech Republic. One of the most powerful examples of long-term impact is the story of Vlaďka Fajtlová – a teacher, mentor and woman who has spent almost two decades guiding children from the Písek Children’s Home on their journey to adulthood.
Today, the impact of her work has come full circle in a truly inspiring way: her daughter Julie has also joined the project. After completing a study stay in the USA, Julie took over her mother’s playful approach to teaching English – and the children instantly fell in love with her.
And how does Vlaďka see it herself? The account below is a rather lengthy treatise, but for those of you reading, who are interested in the essence of Chance 4 Children’s work in children’s homes – it is a heart-felt story, so to speak from the horse’s mouth, from a real insider, sharing her heart and soul. It’s about making a difference! Read on…
Two Decades with Children in the Písek Children’s Home: How Playful Learning, Patience and Human Connection Change Lives
— Vlaďka Fajtlová, Lecturer and Mentor, Chance 4 Children
Beginnings that weren’t easy
When I moved to South Bohemia twenty years ago, I had no idea that this change would lead me to one of the most important and meaningful chapters of my life. After years spent in the USA and other countries I first walked into the Písek Children’s Home under the auspices of another organization, and later as part of Chance 4 Children’s “Springboard to Life” program.
Teaching children in institutional care – lively, energetic, and sometimes resistant – was a big challenge. Especially knowing that I was already the third teacher to give it a try.
The beginning really was not easy.
But I didn’t give up. Step by step, we found our way to one another. And today, nearly twenty years later, many of those children are grown up – and I’m still in touch with them.
Playfulness and safety as the foundation of learning
From my work with children in California, I knew that learning only works when a child feels safe, relaxed, and happy. That’s why I built my English lessons around playfulness, short dynamic activities, movement and humor.
I learned to improvise based on how the children were feeling that day:
- when they’re full of energy, we learn through movement,
- when they’re tired, we created things together,
- when the weather is nice, we took the lesson outside,
- when their souls need a little boost, we watched or listened to something cheerful.
Every now and then, our Yorkshire terrier Benjamin joins us too – and he can make even the most serious faces break into smiles.
“Minute of fame” and building self-confidence
Children in institutional care don’t only want knowledge. They long to be seen, heard and appreciated. That’s why, at the end of each lesson, everyone gets their own short “minute of fame.”
One child plays the piano, another does a somersault, someone else performs a trick. And we all applaud.
This small ritual has enormous power – it gives children a space where they can be themselves and learn that their talents have value.
From teaching to mentoring – and support for further education and work
Over time, I realized that the children needed much more than just English. Naturally, our work expanded to include:
- help with homework and preparing for graduation exams,
- choosing schools, part-time jobs and first employment,
- guidance in finances, budgeting and insurance,
- support in personal and educational decisions.
To be a better support for them, I continued my studies in social work, education and human resources management. Today, I combine all of this with financial literacy, and I’m grateful that through Chance 4 Children I can offer support that goes far beyond traditional teaching.
Family support – and a beautiful continuation of the story
My family has always been my greatest support – especially “Grandma from Písek” thanks to whom I was able to continue teaching even after my son was born.
And today, something truly special is happening: after a summer study stay in the USA, my daughter Julie decided to join the Chance 4 Children program and take over my teaching, based on playfulness and humor. With joy, I watch her pass on energy, happiness, and a love of learning to the children – just as I once did.
It is proof to me that when we give children time, love and attention, we leave a mark that lasts for generations.
What these twenty years with children have given me
- The understanding that kindness and stability can change lives
- The certainty that every child needs to be seen and appreciated
- The experience that small steps often have the biggest impact
- The belief that when someone believes in a child, the child starts believing in themselves
- And humility and joy that I can be part of their stories
In conclusion
Children don’t need perfection.
They need someone who keeps coming back.
Someone who believes in their potential.
Someone who truly sees and hears them.
Thanks to the work, support and cooperation of C4C colleagues and partners, children can receive one of the most valuable things in life: a stable adult who walks beside them, believes in them, and opens doors they might never find on their own.
The programs we build together are not only about education.
They are about hope, safety and courage.
And I am deeply grateful to be a part of it.
