From Vaticannews · Vatican News · · 1m 10s
Faith and Education Bridges in Kazakhstan
A German priest's school in Northern Kazakhstan builds intercultural understanding through faith-based education.
In brief
A German priest's school in Northern Kazakhstan builds intercultural understanding through faith-based education. St. Lawrence School in Kornewka, Kazakhstan, offers interfaith education and digital skills to over 200 students from diverse religious backgrounds. Originally reported by Vaticannews.
St. Lawrence School in Kornewka
A school founded by a German priest in Northern Kazakhstan nurtures intercultural understanding and technological skills.
School's Genesis
Founded in 1996 by Fr. Lorenz Gawol with 11 children, it now serves over 200 students from Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Muslim families.
Post-Soviet Uncertainty
After the Soviet Union collapsed, Fr. Gawol stayed in Kazakhstan to serve children who remained despite German families leaving.
Interfaith Education Approach
Fr. Leopold Kropfreiter says the school conveys a Christian vision of the human person through education, ethics, and personal development.
Digital Skills Development
The school introduced digital skills courses in 2026, providing computers and ai training for students to create applications and games.
Future Opportunities
Around 25 to 30 students study in Germany and Austria, while technology skills prepare young people for the digital economy.
The takeaway
St. Lawrence School in Kornewka, Kazakhstan, offers interfaith education and digital skills to over 200 students from diverse religious backgrounds.
