It was also established that they had a desire to receive guidance, support, counselling and mentoring in various ways to assist their growth and development. They also wanted to meet to discuss fundraising activities so as to start income generating projects with the emphasis on self employment.

After much consideration and planning, and with the assistance from the Kolping staff, the support programme was born on the 30 September 2006, in the Western Cape, at the Kolping Training Centre. Twenty three WOP and KTC students attended the first meeting. Service providers in the arts, from the Arts and Media Access Centre (AMAC), Salesians and University of Cape Town were also invited.  From day one students present showed enthusiasm, commitment and dedication, and were willing to spend extra time at the Kolping Training Centre, learning the skill to play African drums.

During the month of October 2006, these students lightened up KTC on a Saturday morning with their drumming, drama and bead work.  With the inauguration of the Kolping Chapel, at the Kolping National Office in Durbanville, on the 1 November 2006, these students were able to proudly render an item on drums to guests from Germany as well local guests and visitors.  The programme is still in its pilot phase.  The ideal is to start similar support groups within the Southern and Eastern Cape region.

The programme’s foundation is built on the four pillars on which the Kolping Society is established namely:

• Prayer and religion
• Marriage and family
• Work and profession
• Politics and society

Additional components to the programme would be:

• To establish contact with parents, guardians and Kolping coordinators to act as catalysts in supporting students throughout the phases of the programme.
• To network and establish ties with local businesses and organisations to assist participants who can’t find work, with internships and job placements.
• To organise further training workshops in e.g. HIV/Aids counselling, entrepreneurship, career guidance etc.

Although the support programme was established for WOP and KTC students, we are inviting youth from the Kolping families, local parishes or churches, high schools and the community as a whole, to come and join up with this vibrant group.

For further information,

Contact the Kolping National Office on 021-9759722 or email – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,

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