Youth and Education

The mission of the partnership includes the promotion of the European values of inclusion, mutual understanding, and environmental respect. A particular wish is to involve younger generations in the projects of Via Columbani.

Engagement with Youth

In preparing collective walks along the Via Columbani, organizers will seek to involve young people. During the cross-border walk from Carlow to Bangor, for example, pilgrims passing through the historic town of Armagh were joined by young people from local schools who accompanied them along the trail, for several miles.

To expand their work with youth, the Via Columbani works with specialized partners, in particular the Green Butterflies. The Peregrinus Project, launched in 2012 by this association, facilitated many visits and school exchanges over the past few years, where young people from different countries have met to explore contemporary themes, such as environmental protection, through creative activities.

The schools in Bobbio and Bangor have been particularly active in organizing and hosting such visits, as well as in planning joint activities. Contacts have now been established in other partner countries, notably in the Republic of Ireland, France, and Switzerland, with the aim of creating a European network of schools interested in exchange and collaboration.