EUROPE/SPAIN - “The Catholic school must maintain its specific identity of being at the service of the integral formation of the human person, and the first and ultimate foundation of this integral formation is God "

Santiago de Compostela (Fides Service) - Over one hundred representatives of Catholic schools all over the world are meeting in Santiago de Compostela, in Spain for the 17th Meeting of OIEC, International Organisation for Catholic Education 21 to 25 May. In the opening address Archbishop Julián Barrio of Santiago, said "In this special place we celebrate this event of vast ecclesial dimensions with the purpose of forging, with the orientation of Catholic Education, a life style proper to Christians in today's pluralist society, aware that the truth is not imposed it spreads by its own power". In view of the challenges facing the Catholic school in this millennium the Archbishop of Santiago said “this is the opportune time to encourage renewal in the Catholic school and to make clear to public opinion the service of education we offer society". In the face of philosophical and educational currents which present themselves to day and which "give priority to scientific-technical knowledge… and perhaps overlook humanistic and moral knowledge which gives meaning and guidance for life", the Catholic school must maintain its specific identity, "service for the integral education, a project in which the Catholic faith presents itself in dialogue with culture and the basis of the project is God."
OIEC is an NGO today based in Brussels, Belgium. Established in 1952 in Lucerne Switzerland its members are the national offices for Catholic education in member countries organised in five regions: Africa, America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, Middle and Near East. OIEC is concerned with 44 million pupils of Catholic schools in the world: 9.500.000 Africa; 14,000,000 America; 10,000,000 Asia; 9,000,000 Europe; 800,000 Oceania. With 210,000 school OIEC has 102 constituent members (member countries); 19 associate members (religious congregations), 13 co-operator members (institutions) e 6 correspondent members.
Among the principal goals: promote research on the specific contribution of Catholic schools in the field of education and how schools adapt to meet local needs and situations; build and intensify bonds of mutual assistance and active and responsible solidarity among members; guarantee representation of Catholic education in international instances; collaborate with the bodies of the universal Church, Bishops Conferences and international Catholic organisations active in the field of education.
Four major projects are underway: “Xray of the Catholic school in the world”, figures of activities in Catholic schools in the world; "Educate and share", making contact between families in the northern hemisphere with needy families in the south of the world; "Educate to human rights and peaceful coexistence", process of education to diffuse these values in Africa; "OIEC with Asia: no child must be denied an education", programme to help countries affected by the tsunami. (RG) (Agenzia Fides 22/5/2007; righe 41, parole 537)