Education Can’t Wait
After a natural disaster, school becomes a vital part of recovery – not only for children, but for the entire community.
Restoring access to education is essential because:
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It helps children cope with trauma by restoring daily structure and a sense of stability
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Protects them from risks such as abuse, trafficking, and child labor.
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Promotes equality and inclusion – every child deserves the right to learn.
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Serves as a hub for healthcare, nutrition, and community resilience programs.
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Provides shelter in the event of future emergencies.
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Allows parents to focus on rebuilding their homes, jobs, and lives.
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And most importantly – it gives every child the chance to learn, grow, and dream again.
Philippines
We’ve been working in the Philippines since 2007, focusing primarily on rebuilding schools after devastating typhoons that strike the country again and again. We are currently constructing schools destroyed by Typhoon Rai in 2021, which affected nearly 10 million people.
One of the hardest-hit areas was the southern part of Leyte Island, where 312 out of 528 schools were destroyed or severely damaged.
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AH&H renovated 24 schools
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Of which 2 schools thanks to Czech donors
Together with our partners, we have helped build over 20 years
370+
nových škol
v 16 zemích
světa
a vrátit tak 124 000+
dětí do školních lavic
Mexiko
Our work in Mexico began in 2017, after the country was hit by two powerful earthquakes.
One of the most affected areas was the state of Puebla. Further destruction came in May 2022, when Hurricane Agatha caused additional damage to schools and infrastructure.
In total, more than 5,000 schools were destroyed or damaged.
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AH&H restored 31 schools
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Of which 8 schools with support from Czech donors and volunteers
Where We Help
We believe that every child has the right to safe education – no matter where they live.
In areas affected by natural disasters, we help rebuild schools and restore children’s sense of safety, joy, and hope.
Nepal
We’ve been working in Nepal since 2015, when the country was struck by the most devastating earthquake in its history. The disaster claimed over 9,000 lives and injured more than 23,000 people.
A total of 8,242 schools were damaged or completely destroyed – and many are still waiting to be fully rebuilt.
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AH&H restored 29 schools
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Of these, 9 schools thanks to Czech donors and volunteers
The Future Leaders program was created to inspire young people to embrace philanthropy and civic engagement.
We support students in developing responsibility, empathy, and the values that underpin a healthy and just society.
We believe that young people can change the world for the better – and through Future Leaders, we provide a safe and inspiring space for them to grow.
We show them that anyone can help – and that helping others isn’t just a gesture, but a journey that enriches our own lives as well.
"Kids Helping Kids" – Meaningful Help
We connect philanthropic education with hands-on fundraising.
Students design, promote, and run their own charity projects, with proceeds supporting the rebuilding of schools affected by natural disasters – both in the Czech Republic and abroad.
Through this, they gain not only volunteer experience, but also a deeper understanding of the world, themselves, and the values they want to live by.
What does Future Leaders offer students?
Personal growth and healthy self-confidence
Future Leaders is a transformative experience that strengthens inner stability, the courage to step out of the comfort zone, and respect for oneself and others.
Safe and Resilient School Buildings
Sustainable construction:
We use environmentally friendly building methods – such as bamboo-cement structures or CSEB bricks.
Disaster resilience:
Our schools are designed to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. They also serve as shelters and evacuation centers when needed.
Personal growth and healthy self-confidence
Future Leaders is a transformative experience that strengthens inner stability, the courage to step out of the comfort zone, and respect for oneself and others.
A community with shared values
Being part of Future Leaders means joining a group of peers who share a desire to make a difference.
It creates friendships, a safe space for growth, and long-lasting support.
Clean Water and Sanitation
Healthy environment:
Every school has access to clean drinking water and hygienic WASH facilities – helping reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
Eco-friendly solutions:
We install rainwater harvesting systems and use biofilters for water purification.
We organize our own fundraising events
Students from the Future Leaders program organize their own charitable activities, both at their school and at public events. Bakesales are very popular, where students and their families bake and then sell the finished goodies. Future Leaders also often take advantage of events such as Valentine's Day or Children's Day.
They organized a fundraiser where people could send a message to children in the Philippines. They have already collected almost 100 thousand this year and are still motivated to do activities. They come up with sports days and runs for Happy Hearts.
We help at the Gala
At this year's Gala 2026, a group of 16 Future Leaders from across the schools helped with the organization and smooth running of the entire evening. They guided our lovely guests, looked after them and were an integral part of the galaxy of goodness. Thank you.
Study in JAMA Network Open
This expert source indicates that children and adolescents who engage in volunteering are up to 34% more likely to report feeling healthy or very well. At the same time, these young people are 66% more likely to exhibit signs of "flourishing"—a state of thriving mental health. Among youth over the age of 12, the study also found anxiety levels to be up to 25% lower compared to peers with no volunteering experience.
Everyday Health Portal: The overview of benefits for students also lists a link to the article "Why Giving to Causes You Care About Is Good for Your Health"—published on the Everyday Health website—as a supporting resource regarding mental health. A link to this material is embedded directly in the project documentation.
A community with shared values
Being part of Future Leaders means joining a group of peers who share a desire to make a difference.
It creates friendships, a safe space for growth, and long-lasting support.
Leadership and an inner compass
Students learn to lead a team, communicate with respect, take responsibility, and stay true to their values – skills that will benefit them both personally and professionally.
Leadership and an inner compass
Students learn to lead a team, communicate with respect, take responsibility, and stay true to their values – skills that will benefit them both personally and professionally.
Global education and understanding the world
Young people gain insight into different cultures, living conditions around the world, and the importance of global solidarity – not from textbooks, but through direct experience.
Global education and understanding the world
Young people gain insight into different cultures, living conditions around the world, and the importance of global solidarity – not from textbooks, but through direct experience.
Mental well-being through meaningful action
The sense of belonging, purpose, and real impact helps students cope better with the pressures of today’s world and strengthens their resilience.
Well-being of Children and Families
Safe and supportive spaces:
Schools are places to learn, play, and rest – in a safe and inspiring environment.
Playgrounds as part of the school:
We build playgrounds that support children's physical activity and mental well-being.
Support for parents:
When children can attend school, parents can return to work, provide for their families, and rebuild their lives.
Mental well-being through meaningful action
The sense of belonging, purpose, and real impact helps students cope better with the pressures of today’s world and strengthens their resilience.
Volunteer experience
Direct participation in school rebuilding projects and real help for those who need it – in places like Nepal or the Philippines – provides invaluable experience and deep personal insight.
Community Empowerment
Local jobs and skills:
We involve local workers, craftsmen, and suppliers in the construction process.
Empowering women:
We train women in construction skills and help them access new job opportunities.
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Part of the community:
We live and work directly within the communities we serve – building trust and long-term relationships.
Volunteer experience
Direct participation in school rebuilding projects and real help for those who need it – in places like Nepal or the Philippines – provides invaluable experience and deep personal insight.
Engagement and Resilience
Shared responsibility:
We establish community groups and school-based teams responsible for safety and maintenance.
Practical training:
We provide training for children, teachers, and community members in hygiene, child protection, and disaster risk reduction – always based on local needs.
Nadační Fond Happy Hearts
Osadní 13
170 00 Praha 7
Česká republika
info@happyhearts.cz
© 2026 Happy Hearts Czech
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Proudly designed by
Patrik Singer & Martina Jirásková
Helping Czech Children Embrace Philanthropy
Nadační Fond Happy Hearts
Osadní 13
170 00 Praha 7
Česká republika
info@happyhearts.cz
Proudly designed by Patrik Singer & Martina Jirásková
© 2026 Happy Hearts Czech