Kairos Jeunesse

Introducing the process

1992 was a very symbolic period: After 500 years of exploitation of the New Worlds (the South), then the coming into being of the European unification treaty. This was the point in time that KAIROS (the right and decisive time for change) EUROPA took to initiate a process, linking various community-based groups to work “Towards a Europe for Justice - a non Fortress Europe”: ... it was then that the idea of Kairos Youth Co-ordination was born.

KAIROS JEUNESSE has since ceased the process of Europe’s unification as an open invitation to contribute to creating outward-looking multicultural societies that accepted and respected cultural and religious differences; a Europe free of racism and xenophobia. Since then it has undertaken a series of activities, offering a space for groups working with young migrants and minorities: a space for exchanging experiences and skills, a space for cultural expression and interaction, a space to educate and encourage young people to be part of the process of change, challenging the social and political deficits of Europe’s unification process.

KAIROS JEUNESSE is a non-governmental European coalition of youth groups and organisations registered as an ASBL under the Belgium law. It has an open membership policy that enables groups, organisations as well as individuals to participate in the conceptualisation, the planning and the implementation it's of activities.

KAIROS JEUNESSE has an European secretariat based in Brussels, managed by volunteers and a Co-ordinator. The core groups constitute the management and legislative framework, undertaking the task of supporting and overseeing the process

KAIROS JEUNESSE is a non-profit making organisation that relies mainly on membership subscriptions, private donations and financial support from foundations, churches, national and European institutions to fund its activities.

KAIROS JEUNESSE’s efforts have been to promote exchanges and contacts between community-based groups across cultural and national boundaries, with as little burden on their local resources as possible. For many community-based groups international work is an additional burden that could derail the local process if not carefully organised.

ACTIVITIES

Development Education: Seminars, Workshops & Training sessions

International Youth Exchanges: groups and individuals, excursions, exposure visits, and voluntary attachments

Public Events & Publications: campaigns, hearings, exhibitions, newsletters, information sheets, posters and cards.