Petr Čanda

Leader and creator of the entire Kashitu secondary school project. He graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at CTU (Czech Technical University) with a degree in Buildings and Environment. Since October 2019, he has been a doctoral student focusing on construction in diverse climatic conditions.

He works as a designer of low-energy and passive buildings made from natural materials, where he also participates in their construction. He began working on this project as part of his Master's thesis and is currently involved in coordinating the implementation phases of the future secondary school.

Václav Centner

I am an observer of the world, a lover of flowers, and an architecture enthusiast. I am just finishing my first year of master's studies at the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University. Visiting and exploring Africa has been my dream since childhood. I have been to Zambia twice. First as a welder and then as a construction supervisor. I am responsible for design and planning. This year, I will travel to Zambia as a construction manager.

I am looking forward to dancing by the fire, nshimu, and the joy of work.

Anežka Havránková

I am a teacher at Navis Elementary School and a scout from Horní Počernice. This is my third trip to Kashitu, where I am in charge of finances for the project. I will issue donation receipts to all donors with great gratitude. Last year, I took over the leadership of the Friends of New Renato association, which sponsors the project. I enjoy working with enthusiastic people not only here in the Czech Republic but also in Kashitu.

Igor Suvorov

Over the past three years, I have devoted almost eight months of my life to Zambia, and when I return there, I feel at home. I studied African Studies in Hradec Králové and focused on development issues. I believe that despite all the challenges associated with projects in Africa, development is necessary and can be done differently, which is what we are doing with Kashitu School.

So why am I doing this alone? One day in Lusaka (the capital of Zambia), I spent the morning at a fancy reception at a golf club, with drinks, suits, and lots of finger food, and in the afternoon, I discussed an educational program in the ghetto with local friends, where having shoes is a luxury and education is as accessible as bananas without queues in a store during communism. We don't choose where we are born, but we do choose how we approach life, what we want from it, and what we can do here and now and where it is needed. And so here I am.

Elo mama Africa! Your son is back in town.

Jan Krajíček

I was in Kashitu in 2023 when the first workshop—a tool workshop—was being built. Sponsored donations of high-quality electric and hand tools were brought in from the Czech Republic. We used these tools to teach young Zambian boys and girls how to work safely and efficiently. Throughout the entire construction period, there was no need to keep a close eye on the expensive machines and equipment, and at the end of each day, everything was always returned in good order. Mr. Thomas, an enthusiastic beekeeper and farmer, has the ability to develop the potential of others. In his words, "I have been growing old, to ride my bike to see my students." It is true that at almost 70 years of age, commuting on an old bike, laden with beekeeping equipment, along a dusty 30 km road to and from his students is becoming more difficult every year. That is why I believe that this year's construction of the honey house makes logical sense and will provide a base from which he can continue to pass on his valuable knowledge to others.

Sofiia Maksymova

I have been part of the Kashitu team for almost a year now. I belong to the PR group, which means I do everything possible. This summer, I am going to Zambia to lead a sewing workshop—even though I am actually studying architecture, so it might make more sense to build a school or something similar (wink, wink). But I don't mind. I find joy in everything. And most importantly, I write everything down. That's how I end up with piles of text full of thoughts, observations, and various details of life that are very valuable to me. Even now – the light smoke rising from a blue cup of black tea brings a smile to my face and gives me a strange feeling of certainty – maybe this text is a little strange, but I said exactly what I wanted to say in it. And for the joy of life in the summer, I volunteer as a social worker or go on walking trips – for example, from Rome to Naples. Or I do urban research in Vietnam... but more about that next time.

Natália Bačišinová

A few years ago, I had no idea why I decided to study medicine, but perhaps Zambia is the answer. I don't see healthcare as a profession, but as a mission to serve others. At the same time, it's a huge challenge with a dose of adventure and experience. I know that through teamwork I will learn more and together we will achieve great results. So let's go!

Monika Kinnertová

Součástí týmu jsem od loňského roku a působím zde v oblasti managementu, i když studijně a profesně mě najdete někde mezi chemií, biologií, potravinami a mezinárodním businessem. Aktuálně mám na starosti PR tým a do Zambie se letos vydávám během srpna. Co očekávám? Hodně flexibility stejně jako loni, budu se věnovat šicímu workshopu, práci na stavbě, přípravě podkladů pro PR tým a spoustě dalších věcí, které se postupně objevují...

Tereza Veverková 

I have been part of the team since last year and work in management, although my studies and professional background lie somewhere between chemistry, biology, food, and international business. I am currently in charge of the PR team and will be traveling to Zambia in August this year. What do I expect? A lot of flexibility, just like last year. I will be involved in a sewing workshop, construction work, preparing materials for the PR team, and many other things that will gradually come up...

Bára Bajgarová

I joined the project last year before the construction season and went straight to Kashitu. Once there, I did a little bit of everything—some finance, some PR, some construction, and some support for our volunteers. And this year will probably be no different. In the project, I mainly focus on the financial side—monitoring budgets and accounting. Even though I may be here a bit by mistake—in my everyday life, I work as a data scientist (dealing with data, statistics, artificial intelligence, etc.)—I like challenges. And building a school in Kashitu is a huge challenge that I really enjoy!

Ondřej Lokos

I am a graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology and am currently pursuing my doctoral studies at the Institute of Building Testing. I am the structural engineer on the team, and I am also responsible for the photographic documentation of the entire project, so you will often see me with a camera in my hand. Africa has always attracted me. And when Václav casually asked me, "Do you want to come with us?" my answer could only be, "OF COURSE!"

Zuzana Chalupská

I graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague with a degree in civil engineering and now work at an architectural studio in Prague. I love traveling and have long been attracted by the opportunity to combine my professional experience with helping in a developing country. When I discovered this project this year, which was also created on our home turf, I knew right away! I will be going to Zambia as a member of the construction team. I am looking forward to being part of this initiative with a group of wonderful people who are involved in the project with a sincere motivation to help where it is needed.

David Kolář

I came across the project last summer and watched with admiration what this incredible group of wonderful people had achieved. However, I didn't find my way to the project until this spring, when I realized that construction isn't just about sitting at a computer after all those years of studying and several years in design. After graduating from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology, I worked as a structural engineer in a Brno design office for two years, but I realized that I needed a change! So I decided it was time to put what life had given me so far to good use and try to "pass it on" to those who didn't have that opportunity. By chance, I stumbled upon the project website again, and when I saw that I could help as a structural engineer, I didn't hesitate! I am looking forward to working in a new environment with lots of inspiring people who share the same outlook and desire to leave something amazing behind! In my free time, I am an athlete in body and soul, and I hope to bring this team spirit to Zambia!

Martin a Petr Kubínovi

Father and son. Martin is no longer a student, but Petr is, although neither of them is directly connected to CTU, which makes them somewhat of an exception to the concept. Petr studies programming at CULS, while Martin works for the construction portal TZB-info.cz and estav.tv, which is the main media partner of the project, and this is where the circle closes.

Martin was in Kashit last year. He filmed interviews, prepared reports, and even moved a proverbial blade of grass on the construction site itself several times. Petr is setting out on a journey for similar reasons. For both of them, it is another opportunity to try something meaningful and perhaps get a little closer to understanding the order of things

Viktor Starzewski

I am a sports economist by education, but I ended up working in the energy sector and have been working at ČEZ Obnovitelné zdroje (ČEZ Renewable Energy) for three years now. Here, I met my colleague Petr Jenikovský, who designed the photovoltaic system for Kashita and inspired me to join this noble mission of spreading awareness in countries where it is most needed. We have the means to help Zambians stand firmly on their own two feet, just as we who were born in Europe have been able to do. I would like to bring their standard of living one step closer to ours so that they can live a happier life, as we ourselves have been blessed with thanks to the hard work and dedication of our ancestors. Given the historical circumstances of colonialism, I also feel that we owe this to Africa.

Michal Koščík

I graduated from the Czech Technical University in Prague with a degree in Intelligent Buildings, and for the last three years I have been designing and implementing technical building equipment systems. In the Kashitu project, I will be helping to install a photovoltaic power plant, which will provide the school with not only a sustainable but also a stable source of energy.

Zambia is not only a new continent for me, but also a great challenge – not only because of the technical conditions, but also because of what a properly functioning energy system can change in people's everyday lives.

Katarína Szalonová

When I received an offer to join the Kashitu team, I told myself that this was an opportunity to do something good and get involved in something that also has added value. Studying medicine can be very static at times, so I am looking forward to the dynamism that construction brings and the experience I will take with me into the future. As a healthcare professional, I just hope that everyone will be healthy so that together we can build a safe place to educate others.

Ondřej Brych

My world revolves around understanding and transforming the space around us. I enjoy it on all scales, from the concept of entire buildings to construction details. This is my first time in Kashit. I want to help with the construction and soak up the atmosphere of building in a completely different culture.

Radek Hykl

He has been beekeeping longer than some of us have been walking the earth – and honey is probably in his blood. He founded a beekeeping school, teaches zootechnics, introduces new methods, experiments, innovates, learns, and, above all, happily passes on his experience. On a mission to Zambia in November, he was the leading expert – teaching, building, repairing, and inspiring everyone who passed by with his energy, warm and honest approach, and humor. Anyone who really wants to learn about bees and life with them should listen to Radek sometime.

Sofie Flekačová

A passionate traveler with many interests and talents, she also crosses disciplines professionally: she holds a bachelor's degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Czech Technical University in Prague and is continuing her studies in Healthcare Management. In the field, Radka translated Kashitu into English, built, fine-tuned, organized, and came up with solutions where others had run out of ideas. Sofi always wears a smile, perspective, and determination – and with someone like that, the mission moves forward on its own!

Andrea Poljaková

Andrea is a young doctor who embraces every opportunity to work abroad. She loves discovering new cultures and languages and is fascinated by how differently people in different parts of the world think, understand, and treat illnesses. She says that there is something to learn and understand everywhere—especially in places where the most surprises await and where the world is completely different. Diversity and adventure permeate her life, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She approaches the world with openness, seriousness, and perspective.

Petr Čanda

The leader and creator of the entire Kashitu High School project. He graduated from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the CTU with a degree in Building and Environment Engineering. As of October 2019, he is a PhD student focusing on buildings in different climatic conditions. He is working as a designer of low-energy and passive buildings made of natural materials, where he is also involved in their implementation. He started working on the project as part of his thesis and is currently involved in coordinating the implementation phases of the future high school.

Anežka Havránková

A first grade teacher at the Navis Primary School and a scout from Horní Počernice, she has experience with the functioning of non-profit organizations and with management. She is in charge of the finances and will gratefully issue a donation receipt to all donors. This year she took over the leadership of the Friends of New Renato association, which will sponsor the project. In September she will travel to Zambia to thank all the volunteers, but most importantly to hand over the project to the leadership of the Zambian community in Kashitu and to agree on the continuation of the project and its progress in the future.

Štěpánka Míchálová

She works in the community of L'Arche Villa Vallila. Last year she helped build the first high school building in Kashitu. This year she will be upcycling cement bags with local women and together they will figure out how to make useful things out of them and other fabrics. She is also interested to see how the local community and the volunteers involved in the construction are doing.

Václav Centner

World observer, flower lover and architecture enthusiast. This year also a fresh bachelor from the Institute of Architecture in Brno. Helping in developing countries was his childhood dream. He was already in Zambia last year, so this year he was responsible for the design of the house we will build in Kashitu. He will work on site as a welder, mason and general labourer. He is looking forward to interacting with the locals and dancing the night away. He's already salivating for nshima with fish.

Michal Přibyl

Graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University. In Zambia, he will hold the position of construction manager throughout the implementation phase. At the same time, he will present the construction through regular reels on social media. In his free time he enjoys windsurfing, climbing and playing the guitar. Overall, he enjoys traveling and the big challenges in life, which this project definitely is.

Eliška Kopačková

Graduate of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University. During her studies she participated in an international student project and her experience from it is now useful for us. In the project she is in charge of social networks and is a member of the fundraising team. She is going to Zambia for the last phase of the construction in September, when all the work will need to be completed for the handover of the finished building, and it will also be a media harvest for social networks and planned filming of reports.

Nástia Saliakhova 

Graduate of social pedagogy at Charles University. She coordinates the marketing of the project and makes sure that the project is as transparent as possible for the public. She will spend two months on the construction site, but she might not be seen much in the videos as she will be behind the camera.

Igor Suvorov

Almost Master of Political Science with a focus on Africa, development aid and human capital development from the University of Hradec Kralove. He lived in Zambia for half a year as part of the Erasmus programme. He brings to the project his cultural knowledge of the African context in economics, social dynamics and development. He is also not afraid to pick up a shovel and take it as far as it needs to go. After all, big things are better thought of with manual labour.

Moni Kinnertová

Student at the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague, majoring in food technology. She will be putting her hand to work during the construction and will be part of the planning team for next year's project in September, which means another building, the third to be part of the campus. Planning will be done on-site with local nonprofit New Renato and members of the Czech nonprofit Friends of New Renato.

Filip Lukáš

A student of history at Charles University, his humanities-based studies come in handy when writing articles and press releases. Outside of his studies, Filip helps out on a construction site, so he gets to experience the differences between Czech and real Zambian construction. And if he's not on site holding a shovel or drill, he'll be happy to report back in the construction videos, so you've got something to look forward to!

Martina Michlovská

Graduated from Brno University of Technology - Industrial Design in Mechanical Engineering. Currentlyshe works in FabLab in Brno - a digital open workshop for the public. In her spare time she likes to spend time in the mountains - whether winter snowboarding or summer climbing and hiking. Before her trip, she worked on preparing graphic materials for exhibitions and organized an exhibition in Brno. She will be on site for a month helping with whatever is needed.

Eva Dvořáček

She graduated from Industrial Design in Mechanical Engineering at Brno University of Technology. She is currently working as a mechanical engineer on the development of medical devices. She will spend a month in Zambia and will be involved in the construction as well as in the preparation of graphic documents and manual. She likes to spend her free time outdoors hiking in the mountains or travelling in a camper van.

Michaela Jurčová

She studied General Medicine at the 1st Faculty of Medicine. She's going to Zambia for her first tour as a doctor. Her main duty is to make sure that everyone returns home safely. She's not afraid of manual labour either, so I'll definitely be lending a hand on the construction site.

Kateřina Vašková

She studies architecture and is involved in graphic design and other creative activities. She organizes programs for children and adults. She likes to describe herself as a sun worshipper and her favourite place to spend her summers is in the woods. Even if she has to plan for doing nothing, she enjoys being spontaneous. In the project she is involved in the creation of graphic content, and in Africa she will be documenting the process and then processing the collected materials

Tereza Veverková 

Fresh engineer of bioanalytical laboratory diagnostics at the University of Science and Technology. She is also studying medicine at 3rd lf. After her third year, she spent 7 months as a volunteer in Chad treating patients at the health center and tutoring children at school. She hopes that she won't have to use much of her experience in Chad while treating volunteers in Kashitu.

Jan Šmejkal

After studying biology at the Faculty of Science of the University of South Bohemia and working for several years at a research institute, he took up the carpentry trade. He works with Vlasta Hanuš on the production of bespoke furniture, as well as smaller carpentry or carving projects. He has experience in volunteering from his many years in the Scouts, not only in the troop but also on educational courses.

Vendy Rathuská

She studies architecture and civil engineering at the Czech Technical University. She participated in the study of the house and will work with the carpenters in Kashitu to furnish it.

Míša Mlček

A bioinformatician and former scout leader, she currently works as an analyst for a medical firm. She is looking forward to adding her hand to a much needed project in Africa and helping in a place where they don't have the same opportunities we are used to in Europe. She is going to Kashitu for 5 weeks and will be keeping the back office running smoothly ready to help wherever it is needed.

Šimon Mlček

He is pursuing a Master's degree in architecture and led a scout troop in Prague-Vršovice. He likes to develop neglected places that are overlooked by the surroundings and he is close to the motto a lot with little. In the school project he is part of the design team and will be in charge of the construction material and photo documentation of the early parts of the building.

Jan Svoboda

He studies Architecture and Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University, and is interested in low-energy construction and BIM. In his free time he is a scout leader, plays sports and hikes in the mountains. He is involved in the design and project documentation of the building. He is going to Zambia for 5 weeks and will be in charge of the logistics of the building materials.

Vlastimil Hanuš

He has studied biology, environmental science and psychology and is now working on a craft - artistic carpentry and woodcarving. He enjoys reading, tea and travelling light. Former scout leader. In Zambia we will be making furniture for a new building and designing wood products with locals.

Jiří Bacony

A bridge engineer with overlap there and then. Participates in the preparation of the structural part of the project. He will act as an auxiliary force on site with experience in structural engineering, manual labor and poetry. Enjoys doing and not doing, as the case may be...

Petr Čanda

Lukáš Bejček

Tereza Čechová

Kateřina Kuklová

Jan Exner

Barbora Kubíčková

Michala Kohoutková

Kateřina Stárková

Jan Stárek

Lucie Hejtmanová

Paulína Šíchová

Matěj Havránek

Jan Krajíček

Václav Centner

Honza Tilinger