From Portugal to Ukraine, from Lithuania to South Tirol – Kolping in Europe is as colourful as Europe itself. 20 Kolping Associations exist in Europe, and every association has different focus areas. Diversity instead of simplicity. What they have in common is the Kolping idea.
The situation of the people
Already in the 19th century, Adolph Kolping set out and travelled across Europe. An expansion of the Kolping Association was impeded because of the World Wars and the decades-long socialism in many countries of Eastern Europe. The Kolping Associations survived even during the difficult years in all these countries and gained new momentum after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Many National Associations have been re-established since 1990.
How we help
Through training activities Kolping qualifies young people in many countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Kolping wants to support peace and democracy and strengthen civil society in this region. Special attention is paid here to the assistance of disadvantaged people who are not sufficiently supported by the government: socially vulnerable families, unemployed, people with disabilities and elderly people. In Central and Eastern Europe, Kolping has the following focus areas:
