Kazakhstan: Catholic NGO provides social and medical aid

An article by Agenzia Fides published on 19 May 2020 highlights the work of a center run by Catholic NGO Caritas named "˜Ark Village" in Talgar, near Almaty.‚  The community was founded on 6 hectares of land in June 2000 and is home to about 70 children, with just under half experiencing particular physical and mental difficulties. Many are orphans or come from families destroyed by violence or alcoholism. Since 2007, a medical clinic has been set up with facilities for dental and radiological treatment as well as physiotherapy. Rolf Zeegers, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, considers the work of Caritas in Kazakhstan important: "In the article, the director of Caritas in Kazakhstan speaks of many challenges but emphasizes throughout the spirit of sharing and hospitality in Ark Village. The whole community is a good example to society of Christian faith and love lived out in a very practical and sympathetic way. It is hoped that the government will take note of this and extend the activities of Caritas and other Christian organizations in Kazakhstan.