ESC: Lithuanian Kolping Society

Kolping authorities and institutions in Lithuania are a part of International Kolping Society, which is well known in the world for more than 150 years, operates in more than 60 countries and unites more than 450000 members in the World. The Society founder – blessed Adolf Kolping a famous 19th century German priest, educator and journalist once said: “If you want a better future, it is you who have to create it.” These words became the motto of both institutions- Kolping University of Applied Sciences and Lithuanian Kolping society. These both institutions work orientating to strengthen internationalization, to work together with the partners on joint international projects, expanding world views and cultural awareness. In order to do that participated in various local projects and European Commission funded Life Learning Programs – Erasmus, Grundtvig, Leonardo da Vinci and etc. as well as in the new programme Erasmus+. Lithuanian Kolping society in cooperation with Lithuanian Kolping Foundation (LKF), are sponsoring various social projects. Kolping Kindergarten is one of them and it was established as LKF project in autumn 2011. Kindergarten is located in the old town of Kaunas. Kindergarten education programs are based on the philosophy of A. Kolping educational ideas and his philosophy of education, which shows that from an early age it is important to develop creativity, self-confidence, responsibility for once actions and being an active community member. Analyzing modern parents' expectations and the relevance of life kindergarten is constantly improving its activities, employees are always learning and developing new skills. In our kindergarten we maintain healthy, respectful relationships between generations, between children and teachers, between teachers and parents. These relationships are based on trust, love, listening. Every child is unique in its nature, and therefore child cannot be compared with others. Also, from 2018 september will be opened pre-school group and from 2019 September primary school. Lithuanian Kolping Society unifying 500 members focuses on fields of work and profession, marriage and family, society and state, culture and leisure. It organizes seminars of Christian social education, takes part in preparation of local and international projects in formal and non-formal education and social fields. The Society works with different age groups – children, youth and adults. Youth of Kolping Society has been developing its activity since 1994. Projects of non-formal education are implemented, international summer camps and summer camps for children are arranged, occupation of schoolchildren after classes is organized. Youth of the Lithuanian Kolping Society is very active in development cooperation and civic education activities. The volunteers’ summer academies have been organized for the last 5 years; Kolping volunteers are active in civic and social life of Lithuania