Foreigners
Family Next Door
For over twenty years, we have been connecting Czech families with families of foreigners from all corners of the world. The recipe? Simple! Unforgettable gatherings at a dining table full of flavors, aromas, and, most importantly, stories. A shared lunch between two families who have never met before often leads to long-lasting friendships. Food is, quite simply, a universal language.
• This year’s edition will connect Czech families with families of foreigners from so-called third countries (including holders of temporary protection and international protection with legal residency status in the Czech Republic).
• In previous years, in addition to Czech families, the project has involved families from Syria, India, Belarus, Turkey, Egypt, Libya, Iran, Algeria, Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Vietnam, Mongolia, and even New Zealand.
• Thanks to its unique approach to the integration of foreigners, the project has expanded to other European countries and, in 2011, received the SozialMarie award, which is presented annually to 15 exceptional projects in the field of social innovation.
• Since 2004, 1,800 families—a total of over 5,000 people—have met for lunch in this way.
EXPERIENCE A LUNCH WITH A FAMILY FROM NEXT DOOR FOR YOURSELF!
APPLICATION
What is a shared lunch like?
That is up to you. It is your choice whether you want to host the other family in your home or if you would prefer to go to their place for lunch. Our assistant will always be available to ensure everything goes smoothly and can help break the ice if there is any initial shyness.
When will we meet the other family for lunch?
That also depends entirely on your mutual agreement. Unlike in previous years, families across the Czech Republic will not meet on one specific day at a set time; instead, you can plan your lunch for a date that works for you. You just need to make sure it happens by the end of 2024. All communication goes through us, so once you sign up, we will contact you to arrange a date that works for everyone.
How do we sign up for Family Next Door?
Simply fill out the online form , where you provide your basic details and choose whether you would like to be a host family or would prefer to visit someone else. The application also helps us learn about things like food allergies, so we can prevent any potential issues during lunch.
Why a shared lunch?
Because we believe that food brings people together. At Family Next Door meetings, people don't just eat; they share stories, traditions, experiences, and often recipes, too. These gatherings frequently lead to new friendships and connect people with common interests. And that is our main goal: breaking down prejudices through friendship. That is why we organize Family Next Door.
Who covers the cost of the food?
We do! All food costs are covered by project funds. Hosts simply need to provide us with the receipts so we can reimburse them.
A new year of the Family Next Door project is starting – sign up now!
Although we come from different corners of the world, food is a universal language that brings us together. Sometimes, all it takes is a shared lunch to feel a greater sense of belonging and acceptance in a new country. Since 2004, under the auspices of Slovo 21, people from various cultures have been meeting with Czech families through the Family Next Door project. Its goal is to bring foreigners and the majority society closer together and foster mutual understanding. You can sign up for this year's edition right now!
Family Next Door registration is open! Meet new friends and discover food from around the world
Another year of Family Next Door is here! Across the Czech Republic, dozens of Czech families will sit down at a set table with families of foreigners, even though they have never met before. We have been connecting people of different nationalities, religions, and customs this way for over twenty years. Join us too – sign up now.
A project that connects Czechs and foreigners. Family Next Door on the main CT news broadcast
One Czech family, one Ukrainian. They didn't know each other before, but now they visit each other regularly and have even become friends. They were brought together by this year's twentieth annual Family Next Door – just like dozens of other families across the Czech Republic. One of the best-known integration projects in the country was even featured in a report on the main news broadcast of Czech Television.
Family Next Door participant: I would sign up again! It's a great project
She spent more than 7 years living abroad. But after returning to the Czech Republic, Veronika Vlachová missed being in contact with people of various nationalities. That is why she decided to sign up for the Family Next Door project: "I see it as a great project that gives people from the Czech Republic the opportunity not only to get a glimpse into the stories of others, but also for families from foreign countries to experience a Czech home environment," she adds.
"I love adventure and good food. The Family Next Door is perfect for me," says the 19-year-old Ukrainian refugee.
"I originally thought I would only stay in the Czech Republic for a few days. I needed some peace and quiet to study for my final exams because the situation surrounding the war was stressing me out so much," says 19-year-old Ukrainian Viktor Palenychak. He left his home country two days after the Russian invasion began, but he never returned. He arrived in the Czech Republic all on his own.
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