Radek Šandor awarded the Křesadlo 2023 prize

13. 11. 2025
Radek Šandor is the head of a field prison program in Liberec, the administrator of social housing in Liberec, and the founder of a furniture bank, from where furniture is further distributed to those who currently need it. For the latter activity, he even received an award for volunteer work: Křesadlo. He has been involved in social work for 15 years and it is clear that "his work is his calling".
Radek is a trained bricklayer with honors. After school, he worked for 5 years as a self-employed person at Hypernova in Liberec. However, in 2010, he left for the Romani association in Liberec, which dealt with essentially the same activities as Romodrom. Two years later, our organization took over a project on which Radek was currently working, so he also transferred to Romodrom along with the project.
What does he do in Romodrom?

He initially worked as an employee of a traditional field program, gradually taking on the prison program as well, and since last autumn, he has been working as the head of the prison program in Liberec.

A work week for such a service manager is very diverse. Usually, 1-2 times a week, he visits clients in prisons, and when he is not there, he either works with clients in the field (helping them with work, housing, benefits, etc.) or indirectly deals with clients from prisons - finding accommodation or contacts with employers for them. Lately, a debt counseling center has become very active in the Stráž pod Ralskem prison, so he also prepares debt files for clients. "We used to visit the prison 1-2 times a month, now we go 1-2 times a week. In one day, we serve up to 12 clients," added Mr. Šandor to the description of his work.

In addition to the prison program, Radek also leads Social Housing in Liberec - In the city, we have 5 social apartments occupied by our clients, and he oversees their good condition, timely payments, etc.

What does he enjoy most about his work?

Working with people," he answered almost without hesitation.

"And of course, when we do the job well and people don't return to their criminal behavior, or when we are able to help someone out of a difficult situation."

It is clear that Radek Šandor truly loves his work, sees meaning in it, and the greatest reward for him is when he sees good results. This is also related to what he would like to convey to all of you: "Do this work with heart. This work is a calling, and when it's not done from the heart, it's not done well," he believes.


What does he like to do in his free time?

He is also active in the organization of the Association of Roma Representatives of the Liberec Region, where they have a dance ensemble. "When I can, I go to rehearsals with the girls and boys," he confided in us. He also enjoys spending time with his family, working on his house, and engaging in his side jobs.