Kadłub, Opole, Poland

The village Kadłub with its some 1.500 inhabitants is situated within the municipality Groß Strehlitz (voivodeship Oppeln) in the South-West of Poland. The village has 327 working places, while 505 workers commute outward and 129 people commute into the village. Kadłub today shows full employment after the administratipn spent the last five years creating new jobs. The settlement of enterprises were supported by a tax exemption for 2.5 years. However, the village has been confronted with emigration over the last few years. Due to historical and geographical reasons, many inhabitants of Kadlub have both Polish and German citizenship – a fact that definitely enhanced the tendency to emigrate.

Within Kadłub there are 88 establishments of various sizes, with the economy suffering from a lack of skilled employees. To counteract this, a dual education system was developed. The average level of education in Kadlub is relatively high due to many higher education degrees.

In terms of tourism, the village is planning to position itself as a destination for activity tourists. The guests can already enjoy a number of hiking and cycling paths, the construction of a golf resort with a hotel is being planned.

The corporate sector is actively involved in public administration and supports the maintenance or construction of modern infrastructure through sponsorship: From educational institutes, leisure activities to social institutions – everything is available. The financing of these structures happens through private investors as well as EU-funds. Public transport to the nearest traffic junctions and economic centres is well organized. In the field of renewable energies, Kadlub mainly focuses on photovoltaik.

Kadłub is extraordinary in his exemplary social character. The solidarity among inhabitants is remarkable and cross-generation activities are well organised and used. Thereby, tradition and culture are actively highlighted and maintained. Children and young adults learn traditional art handicrafts from older members of the community who teach with joy and dedication. The club life is very active, with the voluntary firefighters being particularly dedicated. The fire brigade group was successful in many different competitions, their equipment is exemplary. Also, disadvantaged groups and handicapped people are actively integrated. For example, handicapped people produce foodstuff that is sold. This fits in with the philosophy of the inhabitants, who focus on regional products.

Development motor is the village association founded in 2003. It not only models and revitalizes but also coordinates. A strategy plan should be implemented by 2022 – regarding the many measures that have already been implemented, it can be assumed that future projects will also be successful.

Evaluated: 2016