Actio Catholica Patria

The nongovernmental public organization Actio Catholica Patria (a.k.a., Patria) is working in Kaunas since 1991. It sees its mission in supporting and encouraging young people, to take part in the society. For that, Patria offers different possibilities of voluntary social work and non-formal education. The experiences of Patria show, that we can create, change and strengthen our society. It is important, that young people get the chance to bring in their own ideas. With different offers Patria tries to support that.
Our main aims are:
- to initiate and assist young people conscious participation in society’s life;
- to create conditions for practical social activities;
- to develop co-operation and communication skills, personal and social responsibilities;
- to assist young people in developing christener humanistic values.
- to give an opportunity for young people to train themselves through non-formal education.
Main activities:
* Non formal education through activities in social fields.
In this program school children, especially in higher grades, get the possibilities to get in touch with social activities. The aim of this program is, to involve pupil in different events and projects. Young people prepare actions and festivals for orphanages, for handicapped people and also for elderly. Patria helps them to organize the projects and to realize their own ideas.

* European Voluntary Service (EVS)
Patria is accredited as hosting, sending and coordinating organization, giving opportunity for young people to try themselves as volunteer abroad since the year 2000.

* Open work with youth from foster care institutions.
Therefore Patria offers a flat and 24 hours support for those youngsters who want to live a self-sufficient life and to learn necessary skills for it. Along the staff of consultancy centre (psychologists, social workers) offer the legal support, individual consulting, professional orientation, assistance in job search and later sustaining in learning or working place. Also they do participate in different educational programs as well as outdoor activities, seminars and trainings.

* Youth Centre “Vartai” (Gates).
The youth centre offers different cultural activities, like game evenings, movie nights, party without alcohol to introduce different music and lifestyles. Also Vartai gives space for youth to organize own activities, like concerts, exhibitions or initiatives.

* Consulting and organizing trainings for other organizations.
Patria is consulting organizations on how to work with volunteers, how motivate them and how to get tem involved in the activities of the organization and support them during the voluntary service. Patria is also organizing trainings for employees of organizations that work directly with youth and express their wish to have volunteers in their organization.