North America

“New World” with a long Kolping tradition

Similar to Europe, people in North America are comparatively rich on a global scale. The population is composed of Americans of European descent, which is why especially in Canada the British and French roots can still be found in the two official languages English and French. African Americans whose ancestors were enslaved and brought from Africa to the Americas and people who increasingly immigrated from Latin America in the last decades, form a colourful society together with the indigenous peoples of the Americas.

However, this diversity is marked by enormous social imbalances which have grown in the past decades. The super-rich live side by side with the working poor who have multiple jobs. Therefore, the Kolping Families in the USA do not only engage in the partnership work for Kenya, but they also support various local projects.

 

The situation of the people

Similar to Europe, the locals of North America are comparatively rich. Parents go to work and children go to school. The population is composed of Americans of European descent, which is why especially in Canada the British and French roots can still be found in the two official languages English and French, of African Americans whose ancestors were enslaved and brought from Africa to the Americas and, in recent decades, of immigrants particularly from Latin America. The cultures of the Native Americans and Eskimos who once dominated the wide open space of America, can be found today only on the margins of society.

The continent of diversity is also reflected by a material disparity between Central and North America and hence in the way of life of the people. But people in need can also be found in the northern countries and are supported by Kolping.

How we help

 

In North America, great importance is in particular placed on associational work: The individual Kolping Families carry out numerous spiritual and social educational activities. They meet up regularly and maintain friendships.

As a Kolping representative, John Reitter from the USA time and again presents discussion papers and declarations and represents the concerns of the association towards this important organisation.

Associational work

The Kolping Families in the USA and Canada were founded by German emigrants many decades ago and community is still very important to them. The members address current socio-political topics and get involved in social projects.

Where we are active

CANADA
USA