The Head of Caritas Mission in Uganda to Receive Czech State Award for Helping the Poorest Children

From driver to project leader who changed the lives of thousands of children in Uganda. Grace Mboizi, head of the Caritas of the Archdiocese of Prague mission in Uganda, receives the prestigious Gratias Agit award from the Czech Foreign Minister.

Grace Mboizi experienced poverty firsthand. He grew up in one of the world’s poorest countries – Uganda in East Africa, where one in five of the 47 million inhabitants survives on less than 60 crowns per day. Nevertheless, he decided to dedicate his life to helping those most in need.

Twenty years ago, he started as a driver at a branch of the Czech Caritas of the Archdiocese of Prague, which operates extensive development projects in Uganda. Today he leads nearly 200 people and helps thousands of the poorest children obtain education.

At the end of June, he will personally receive the prestigious Gratias Agit award from the hands of the Czech Republic’s Foreign Minister.

Thousands of Children, One Dream

Grace coordinates four main projects of Caritas Prague in Uganda. The most extensive of these is the Child Sponsorship Programme, in which Czech donors pay school fees for the poorest Ugandan children. Over twenty years, the program has helped more than 10,000 children with their education.

„It’s amazing to see how their lives change,“ says Grace with pride in his voice. „Some of our graduates now work as teachers, nurses, or engineers. One of them is even a district chairman. And eight former students now work directly in our projects.“

Caritas Prague in Uganda also operates St. Charles Lwanga Buikwe Hospital, a vocational school in Malongwe, and St. John of Nepomuk Primary School. Thousands of Czech donors contribute to these projects annually with amounts ranging from several hundred crowns per month.

Education is the Key to a Better Future

Grace firmly believes that education can break the vicious cycle of poverty. „I am convinced of this. Education opens doors to job opportunities. Illiteracy is one of the main causes of unemployment, which leads to poverty. Education also changes the way of thinking and helps people discover new possibilities,“ he explains.

The education situation in Uganda is critical. 40% of children do not complete even primary school. The main obstacle is money – although basic education is officially free, parents must pay for school uniforms, textbooks, and other fees they cannot afford.

Czech Generosity Surprised Him

During his work, Grace has visited the Czech Republic several times. What surprised him most was the local generosity. „I admire how Czech donors show deep empathy and willingness to help those in need on the other side of the world. They are willing to help people they don’t know personally,“ he says.

To Czech donors, he sends this message: „You are people with big hearts and your generosity is invaluable. You may not even realize it, but you are truly changing people’s lives here in Uganda. I wish you and your loved ones all the best.“

Historic Recognition

The Gratias Agit award is given to personalities who have significantly contributed to spreading the good name of the Czech Republic in the world. The award ceremony will take place at the Černín Palace of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, June 26, 2025. For Grace, the trip to Prague will be a symbolic culmination of a twenty-year journey from the position of driver to the top of one of the largest Czech development missions abroad.