The new secretary of „Barborka“ herself lost her dad

OSTRAVA – Since October, St. Barbara Civic Association.has a new executive secretary – Ms. Vlasta Rádlová, who did a meritorious job and took her leave for reasons of ill health, has been replaced by „young blood“ – Ms. Hanka Gumpingerová (see photo), who has turned twenty three but herself had lost her dad when she was fifteen, whereupon she was drawing on the Association's assistance. Now she feels it is her turn to help others.

Can you recall the first moment when you learned of you dad's death?

We were at home with my mom together, while dad was at work. Suddenly, someone rang to tell us that dad had an accident at work and did not survive. At that instant we were unable to believe this, both my mom and myself, and kept telling ourselves this must be some mistake, they must have mistaken him for someone else, he would be back home from work. As waiting drew out we came to understand that the sad news was true and that it did happen. My dad succumbed to an injury suffered at the mine, he was involved in a rock burst.

The Lazy Mine people informed us of everything and handed over dad's effects – all that was left.

What are your general recollections of your father?

They are so many, I shall always cherish these memories of him in my heart. All I have left except those memories is a golden chain with a pendant that he had worn on that fateful day.

With your dad gone, life must have been hard indeed ...

With mom, we just had to give support to one another, to manage keeping on top of things. It's likely I'll never become fully reconciled to my dad's being unable to accompany me during the crucial moments of my life.  But in spite of having been left alone with mom, I am so grateful for everything not just to her but also to the St. Barbara Civic Association that contacted us about a year after my dad's death and kept supporting us throughout the period of my studies.

In what ways did „Barborka“ help you? What kind of help was most important to you?

Definitely, it looks like the financial assistance I received from the Association toward my studies was put to the best use. It is certain that it was only thanks to the Association's help that I was able to decide for further studies after completing the secondary school. But they helped me in other ways, too. Thanks to „Barborka“ we were able to attend a variety of events, outings, and excursion trips where we mingled with plenty of splendid people who met the same fate. We keep meeting with some of those kids and moms even today.

What school and „life experience“ have you been through?

When my dad died I had been a pupil at primary school still. The impact this had on me must have been momentous, even in picking the type of school to attend, just as much as getting to sing on the school choir for nine years. Thus the school I chose was one leaning to social studies, offering leaving certificates in 'Educational and humanitarian activities', where I was able to exploit my musical talents in a great variety of charity functions organized by the school.

On leaving secondary school, thanks mainly to St. Barbara's support I decided to enroll at the Higher Vocational School in Ostrava, majoring as a 'social worker'. During my studies I was very much focused on activities geared to helping others, whether within the framework of practical training in the profession or in leisure time. I helped at various establishments ranging from charity and homes for senior citizens or for the disabled, up to various consulting centers and kindergartens.  Even as a little girl I was good at communication, and this is why working with people gives me an immense pleasure.

How did it occur to you to take up the Secretary's job with the St. Barbara Association?

Back in the spring we received a letter from the Board of the Association, informing us that Mrs. Secretary was leaving for health reasons and that they are seeking assistance by a suitable replacement. And so I thought I might send in my CV. I was telling myself that based on my own experience I could be of use not to the Association alone but, first of all, to the moms and their kids.

So now you have attended the first Board meeting and have witnessed the first approvals of applications for financial assistance. What did all this feel like?

The Board meeting was very pleasant, they were all of them so nice and patient. As I was taking the first approved applications to our accountant for her to write the paychecks, I was mainly thinking of the children: sure they would put this money to the best use just as I did, toward their studies, and would turn to us for further assistance again. Therefore, my message to all these kids is not to be afraid of anything, and I do wish them a lot of success not just during this school year but in their entire life as well.

Are you looking forward to working for Barborka? What would you like to „give“ to the Association?

I have been looking forward a lot. I find the work there entertaining. I really enjoy planning the various events for the kids, which they always relish, but just as much I enjoy helping them in any way possible.  Above all I'd like to give support to those moms who are shy and feel self-conscious when asking for help, but also to put my experience at the assistance of all moms present and future who would need our help even more. Even though – in this instance, I trust they will be as few as can be.