The Molakova School Complex in the Czech Republic: A Gift from the Heart

Within the Molakova School Complex in the Karlin neighborhood of Prague is a special education school that serves the needs of 120 mentally disabled children (either mentally challenged or severely under-developed).

Most of the children belong to the disadvantaged Roma (Gypsy) minority in the Czech Republic. The school is a special place that provides the necessary care and attention that these children need to develop and grow to their full potential.

During the severe floods of August 2002, nearly two meters of water swept through the school, rendering the facility unusable. Initially, the children were dispersed to other schools and put on half-shifts. While some schools in Karlin were being restored, it remained uncertain whether this special education school would also benefit from such reconstruction.

Enter Dr. Alfred Bader and his wife, Isabel, residents of Wisconsin, almost 4,500 miles from Prague. One of the world’s foremost art collectors, Dr, Bader heard of the plight of these children and decided that he would work to make a difference. Dr. and Mrs. Bader agreed to make a $20,000 donation through the JDC for the repair of the school, with only one stipulation: that the City match his donation.

Under pressure from the school director to at least match Dr. Bader's gift, the City decided in the end to cover all of the costs of the renovation, set to take place later this year. Because his donation was no longer needed for its original purpose, Dr. Bader then agreed to the school's request to use the funds to renovate the students' park playground. The result is a state-of-the-art playground with special sections for the different age groups of boys and girls, in addition to a playing field for soccer and basketball.

In June 2003 Alfred and Isabel Bader were present in Prague for the inauguration of the new playground. They saw the enthusiasm expressed by the children. The kindness and generosity of the Baders, exemplified by this project and many others undertaken in partnership with JDC, will be felt for many years to come.