Policoro Project – Young People, Gospel, Work

Contact
information

Office/person in charge:
PROGETTO POLICORO – Giovani, Vangelo, Lavoro National Secretariat – Office for Social Problems and Work, Italian Episcopal Conference

Address:
468, via Aurelia - Rome

Email address:
segreteria.nazionale@progettopolicoro.it – policoro@chiesacattolica.it

Website/social media:

The Policoro Project started 20 years ago, a fruit of the Ecclesiastical Congress of Palermo. The project came about for a specific purpose: to find  answers to the existential question of so many young people who risk passing from having no work occupation to having no life occupation.

In its attempt to combine the Gospel with the practicality of life, this project immediately represented a great initiative for the advancement of young people, a real occasion for local development on a national scale. Its powerful ideas marked its success: training young people, launching cooperatives, creating intermediaries, such as “community animators”, and a long series of tangible actions, a visible sign of effective, active commitment over the last 20 years.

With its practical attention to the specifics of their places of action and to the search for shared solutions, the Policoro Project has shown how the quality of “free, creative, participative and mutually supportive” work expresses and always makes the dignity of human life itself grow (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, n. 192). We must not lose sight of the urgency of reaffirming this dignity! It is proper to each and every one of us. Every worker has the right to see himself protected, and in particular, young people must be able to cultivate the confidence that their efforts, their enthusiasm, the investment of their energy and their resources will not be futile. (Address of His Holiness to the groups of the “Policoro Project” of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Paul VI Audience Hall, Monday, December 14, 2015).

What is it?

What is this initiative about?

The Policoro Project was born 20 years ago, a fruit of the Ecclesiastical Congress of Palermo. The project came about for a specific purpose: to identify answers to the existential question of so many young people who risk passing from having no work occupation to having no life occupation.

In its attempt to combine the Gospel with the practicality of life, this Project immediately represented a great initiative for the advancement of young people, a real occasion for local development on a national scale. Its powerful ideas marked its success: training young people, launching cooperatives, creating intermediaries, such as “community animators”, and a long series of tangible actions, a visible sign of effective, active commitment over these 20 years.

With its practical attention to the territory and to the search for shared solutions, the Policoro Project has shown how the quality of “free, creative, participative and mutually supportive” work expresses and always makes the dignity of human life itself grow (cf. Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, n. 192). We must not lose sight of the urgency to reaffirm this dignity! It is proper to each and all. Every worker has the right to see himself protected, and in particular, young people must be able to cultivate the confidence that their efforts, their enthusiasm, the investment of their energy and their resources will not be futile. (Address of His Holiness to the groups of the “Policoro Project” of the Italian Episcopal Conference. Paul VI Audience Hall
Monday, December 14, 2015).

How does it help?

In what way does this initiative enhance the formation of the laity?

By promoting employment for the youth, the Church Policoro Project delves into the pastoral concept of the divine meaning of work, intended not only as means of monetary gain but also as way to plan for the future, create awareness about the environment and the needs of the local community and society, expanding the concept of working according to the Church’s teaching.

Why is it important?

Why is this initiative important for the training and advancement of the laity in your country?

It is important in its guiding of young people through their search for employment and as they navigate the everyday challenges of life, according to their professional inclinations and talents. In this way the Church of Christ works in the unemployment problems of the century, offering his hope and guiding young people among the difficulties they may encounter in professional life. This may be, for example, by promoting cooperation as work ethic and solution for themselves and their community.

How did it start

How was this initiative developed?

The Policoro Project was founded by don Mario Operti in 1995 in Policoro, a small town in the province of Matera. As director of the Office for Social Problems and Work of the Italian Episcopal Conference, he invited experts, regional and diocesan directors and led the first meeting, which focussed on youth and employment issues in Southern Italy after the National Ecclesiastical Congress of Palermo, in Sicily, in the same year.

Benefits

Does it benefit the laity on a national or local level?

The project develops enterprises and constructive relationships with various people and places, meets with young people and brings together its members with the main representatives and institutional contributors of the Progetto Policoro called “Filiere” (pastoral chain).

Means and funding

Who funds the initiative? What is needed to launch this initiative?

Each diocese involved in the project offers a space in which a trained young tutor called “Animatore di Comunità” (Community Animator) can meet other young individuals seeking guidance with their job search and  insights about the Catholic Church’s vision of work. Each tutor may organize meetings in schools, parishes, youth clubs and wherever else young people normally assemble, during such events they can be invited to contribute to the vision of life.

Learn more

Where can people learn more about this initiative?

Please visit the official website: www.progettopolicoro.it, or contact the National Secretariat or the local Offices in the more of 130 dioceses involved in the Progetto Policoro to learn more.

Countries involved

Does this initiative exist in other countries?

How to start?

How can this initiative be implemented in other countries?

Begin by creating dialogue between dioceses all over the world and Italian Episcopal Conference (i.e. the Erasmus Program for foreign students).


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