History of the College
Social work used to have a rich and well-established tradition in the Czech Republic until the totalitarian regime was imposed in 1948 which suppressed for the long period of 40 years anything free, independent or of a distinct thinking. The Catholic Church was in the particularly difficult position of being unable to engage in any other than sacral activities and was systematically decimated. All schools were under the direct control of the Communist party.
November 1989 finally brought the overthrow of the Communist regime in this country and marked the beginning of a free, civic society. Churches began to once again undertake those activities that had been forbidden for so long. Among the most significant in this wide spectrum was charitable and social work. New facilities gradually emerged and the non-governmental sector began to set a progressive pace in the sphere of social services just as in other areas. Soon afterwards, however, it became obvious that a higher level of competence, expertise and special preparation had become necessary. This was consequently the stimulus for the Archbishop of Olomouc Mons. Jan Graubner to found the college in 1995.
Over a relatively short time, it has become a renowned institution offering unique educational programmes. Apart from the original higher vocational study programme, it has come to also provide a university study programme carried out in co-operation with Sts. Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology of Palacký University Olomouc (for more information please see http://www.upol.cz/). The college also offers a number of forms of further education and training to fieldwork professionals and is a partner with many institutions in a trans-European context. It is recognised in a number of aspects as one of the best schools in the Czech Republic.