On February 23th, 2021, the archives of the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) were moved from the International Secretariat in Brussels to KADOC Documentation and Research Centre on Religion, Culture and Society connected to the Catholic University of Leuven.
The IYCW has a rich history and pre-history. From its origins in the Young Christian Workers (YCW) (1925) movement, to its official recognition as an international movement in 1957 and beyond, it envisaged the emancipation and education of young workers all over the world. Through the years, the IYCW has produced vast archives containing written correspondence with the national branches and local (Church) authorities, documents on daily governance and activities, information on personnel and finances,… It really reflects the history of more than seventy years of IYCW.
The archives remain the property of the IYCW but are now entrusted to KADOC, providing the necessary expertise in the field of conservation and management of historical heritage. In the following months, KADOC will inventorize, repack and store the archives so that it becomes accessible to (former) members and researchers with permission from IYCW. Also, some important pieces will be digitized and the new inventory will be accessible and searchable online.
For the duration of this archiving process, we (KADOC) will keep you informed through IYCW channels. You can expect regular updates on our progress, insights on the archives and pieces of particular historical value and encouragements to search and conserve your own history and historical heritage.
Over the coming months, we will bring the history of IYCW back to you!
For more information and/or questions, please do not hesitate to contact:
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