ENGIM is a no-profit organization established on December 6, 1977, as a direct emanation of the Congregation of Saint Joseph (Giuseppini del Murialdo), with which it shares principles and objectives. Since July 2000, ENGIM has been recognized as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is registered in the list of “Civil society organizations and other non-profit entities” established at the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

It is therefore authorized to carry out short- and medium-term programs in developing countries; to select, train, and deploy civil service volunteers; and to provide on-site training for citizens of those same developing countries. ENGIM is a member of the Association of Italian NGOs for Development Cooperation and of the Italian Platform of European NGOs. Since December 2008, it has also been part of FOCSIV, the Federation of Christian Organizations for International Volunteer Service.

ENGIM is committed to implementing social and educational projects and training pathways focused on global citizenship and development cooperation, with the aim of promoting the spiritual, educational, cultural, social, political, and solidarity dimensions of human work. It draws inspiration from the spirituality of Saint Leonardo Murialdo and from the educational tradition of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, within which it plays an important role in fostering and implementing paths of solidarity — both within and beyond its institutions — in poor countries and in the outskirts of large urban centers, following its charismatic option for poor youth and, among them, “the least of the least.”

ENGIM envisions a world where every man and woman can live a dignified life based on the fair distribution of the earth’s resources, and where each person is able to determine their own values and priorities and organize to pursue them with equal opportunities. A world in which the integral development of each person can take place through the shared development of humanity: a more humane world for all, open to encounter and exchange, where everyone has something to give and to receive, and where the progress of some is never an obstacle to the development of others.

ENGIM’s presence in Albania began in 1995, based on an agreement with a local association — the “Qendra Sociale Murialdo” (QSM) — through which a series of initiatives were carried out in the Fier area, mainly aimed at developing vocational training activities, employment opportunities, and social inclusion.

Over its thirty years of presence, ENGIM has signed agreements with local institutions, ecclesiastical bodies, and civil society organizations to implement co-development projects, promote the human rights of the most vulnerable groups, and address situations of armed and social conflict widespread across Albania.

Since 2006, ENGIM has developed international mobility and volunteering programs in Albania, including the Universal Civil Service (2006, 2009, and annually from 2014 to 2024), Civil Peace Corps (2019 and 2023), and the European Voluntary Service (from 2015 to 2018), hosting a total of more than 50 young volunteers. Since 2024, it has also been an accredited hosting organization for volunteers within the Volunteering for Humanitarian Aid Operations program of the European Solidarity Corps.

Since 2014, ENGIM has been legally registered with the Registry of Non-Profit Organizations of the Tirana Court. Its legal and operational headquarters are located in the city of Fier.