When learning a language it is vital to use it in practice as many people reach a psychological barrier once they need to speak to actual people. To solve this problem a Latvianconversational language club was organized.
To provide access to timely information a visualised integration resource was created which serves as a practical and informational platform to third country nationals who are planning to arrive in Latvia or are already here as well as those who want to help locals.
Work with third country nationals has proved that the most effective approach to solve social issues is to work through them individually which is why the target group of the project was provided with individual consultations with social workers and lawyers.
Based on the fact that women and small children are the most outcasted groups of third country nationals the project provided creative workshops intended for women with children where mothers and their children could unite in common activities. This allowed mothers to get out of the house, meet new people, be active and create interesting things. During this interaction between mothers and children “The Tasty ABC Book” was created which will allow children to learn the Latvian alphabet, culture, and traditions interactively providing an opportunity to learn the language early on. Whereas the mothers gained social and other skills and new contacts which increased this groups self-initiative, and motivation to take part in activities and self-help in the future.
Support events for special third-country national groups – women and children, January 16
A Creative workshop in Valentine`s day spirits!
During the support group for women “For Each Other” which brought together third country nationals and Latvian women a specific support mechanism was created which was based on the principle of self-help where everyone has a chance to help others and get help themselves. This raised the self-esteem, ability to make a decision and participate in the processes of the society of each woman. Both of the workshops served as a tool to encourage the participants to speak Latvian thus increasing the motivation to continue learning the language.
Active opinions on various issues which affect immigrants were expressed and answers were gained from officials and NGOs during the informational activities – TV shows “Successful Ideas” (Veiksmīgas idejas) and information days in Riga, Liepāja and Olaine. That was an opportunity for third country nationals who are learning Latvian and participating in the creative workshops from three cities to meet and network. Whereas Spriditis School allowed to learn about the Latvian cultural environment, develop an intercultural dialogue and create standing values together with the project volunteers.
Information Day “Riču Raču” in Liepāja
Information Day “Riču Raču” in Olaine
During the project a visual material “Once a man was born” was created where 4 documentaries were shot which show life traditions and philosophies on birthdays of third country nationals living in Latvia. Birth is one of the things that unite people same as love, the word mother, and the desire to live and be happy. It carries unwritten yet understandable assumptions to any society – we are all alike. The movies serve as a visually emotional bridge between the nationally diverse people living in Latvia.
During the project volunteers took part in all activities and were an invaluable human resource. Volunteers were not only Latvian locals but also the third country nationals.
Volunteer training, 24.02.2013.
Volunteer training, 03.03.2013.
The Third Volunteer Training, March 17
To increase the capacity of NGO and develop cooperation a “Dialogue Platform” was created the task of which is to promote NGO cooperation to work with integration of immigrants issues.
The project is co-financed by the European Union. Implementation of the project Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration is co-financed by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals (75%) and state budget (25%). This publication is supported by the European Fund for the Integration of Third-Country Nationals. Responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the society “Shelter “Safe House””.
For more information:
Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Public Relations Consultant and Practitioner
rasa.salina@gmail.com
