Prague, Czech Republic - On the occasion of the UN International Day of Families, UPF in the Czech Republic in cooperation with the UN Information Centre in Prague organized a half-day conference on the topic "The Family in Today's World: Challenges for a Stable Family."
In two panel discussions, four speakers gave presentations. Prof. Machcek from the University of Economics in Prague delivered a short overview of the demographic situation of a Czech family. He showed us the latest trends in this area and the growing tendency for families to become a loose community of two people.
Next Dr. Vodickova, Director of the Foundation of Children in Danger, informed the audience about the tragic situation of children from problematic families and the difficulties to find enough funds to develop resources in this area. There are many obstacles on the side of the state because of the discrepancies among concepts about how to solve this problem. On the other hand, the private sector is supporting almost half of the necessary budget.
After the break Assistant Professor Pavel Bilek, advisor of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, informed us about the impacts on families who migrate. This trend is not so big in our country. He pointed out that many times the increased prosperity when husband migrates for a better job can cause serious damages in the stability of the family.
In the last presentation Dr. Juraj Lajda, Secretary General of UPF-Czech Republic, talked about the need for family education. Many times parents do not understand enough about their role to protect their children from attacks of the advertisements and media on their children. Through the media and advertisement children are often exposed to immorality and trends which undermine family stability. Thus, parents should take more active and responsible roles.
After the conference there was lively discussion in a friendly atmosphere.
For more information about UPF chapters' celebrations of the International Day of Families, click here.