Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2

The project within the framework of which important integration issues were resolved is over

27.06.2014. In order to promote the participation of third-country nationals in social processes and ensure full-fledged access to support, adaptation and integration services in Latvia, non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” have been organising different integration activities within the framework of the project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2” in Riga, Ozolnieki, Olaine, Salaspils, Stopiņi and Liepāja as from the beginning of January.

Common language is one of the crucial prerequisites for a person’s well-being, professional growth and integration into society in general; therefore, participants of the project were offered to learn Latvian and develop their colloquial language skills. Studies were also presented as e-courses – in the Moodle environment, which will be available to participants after the project as well, in order to continue improving their proficiency of Latvian.

In order to provide support to the target audience of the project, the society’s volunteers were involved in the activities as well. Within the framework of the project, several motivation-boosting seminars were held for them, aimed at shaping the understanding of voluntary work. Volunteers included both Latvians and third-country nationals.

Every week, women and children from both third countries and Latvia actively participated in creative workshops for children and parents, as well as in the self-help group “For Each Other” by engaging in interactive activities.

Third-country nationals – seniors were also involved in integration activities of the project; together with Riga Alliance of Active Seniors (RASA) they participated in joint integrative activities that promoted unity, integration into society and support for both the direct target group of the project and Latvian seniors.

In order to ensure integration activities of third-country nationals prior to their arrival in Latvia, within the framework of the project, special interviews named “NGO TV for Integration” were organized with third-country nationals from Moldova, Uzbekistan, Russia, Chile, Brazil, Nigeria, USA, etc., who have been staying in Latvia for a certain time already. Whereas, the special television series “Man ir..” (I have..) broadcasted by LTV7 allowed each and every one interested to get acquainted with real life stories about the achievements of third-country nationals in Latvia. Recorded broadcasts can be viewed on the society’s home page at http://patverums-dm.lv/lv/video-galerijas.

Within the framework of the project, “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” supplemented the online resource www.dzivotlatvija.lv, in order to provide immigrants with all the information they might need about rights, obligations and possibilities in Latvia. By visiting this site, everyone has a chance to find out about crucial needs of third-country nationals (family, employees, students, and entrepreneurs), including participation possibilities that promote participation of this target group in the integration process. It is recommended to get acquainted with the information placed on the home page prior to arriving in Latvia.

In order to shape society’s understanding of immigration and integration of third-country nationals, as well as to promote qualitative dialogue on this topic, special discussions concerning topical integration and immigration issues – Citizens’ Debates – were held. Within the framework thereof, suggestions were developed on how to facilitate the employment of immigrants in certain fields, improve their social security and provide all immigrants with compulsory integration courses when starting living in Latvia. The results of the debates will be used in the development of the concept of the Immigration Policy, which is planned to be done by the Latvian government by this autumn.

“By implementing this project, we supported the people who had come to our country and who need help in integrating into Latvian society. Since practitioners of the field have been involved in the organization’s team for seven years already, during this time, we have identified and offered solutions for problems that are the most crucial for immigrants by providing legal consultations and offering extensive integration courses. In the course of the project, all participants of the activities met each other during three great “Riču Raču” events in the cities of three different regions, where they found new friends from other regions. These were not only useful but also highly emotional events, which allowed people to feel their belonging to Latvia. Despite that the project will end on June 30, we invite to follow the announced free integration courses on our home page www.patverums-dm.lv, since it is a possibility for everyone to be active both in his/her private life and in integrating into Latvian society in general,” as pointed out by Sandra Zalcmane, head of the society “Shelter “Safe House””.

The project is co-financed by the European Union. Implementation of the project "Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2" 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””.

On June 27 – closing event of the project!

20.06.2014. The team of the society “Shelter “Safe House”” invites you to participate in the closing event of the project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2”, which will take place on June 27, 2014 at 14:00 in Tallink Hotel Riga conference hall “Terra” – at Elizabetes Street 24, Riga.

Within the framework of the event, the achieved results of the project and further intentions will be presented. Project organizers, sponsors, cooperation partners, and target audience of the project are invited to visit the event.

In order to promote the participation of third-country nationals in social processes and ensure full-fledged access to support, adaptation and integration services in Latvia, non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” have been organizing different integration activities in Riga, Ozolnieki, Olaine, Salaspils, Stopiņi and Liepāja as from January 9, involving more than 200 third-country nationals and inhabitants of Latvia. The project will conclude on June 30, 2014.

The final informative day “Riču Raču” was spent with a lot of smiles and sunshine

12.06.2014. On June 7 non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” organized the third, final, informative day “Riču Raču” in Stopiņi district as a part of the project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2”.

The participants had the opportunity to visit the largest and the most advanced green energy producer in Latvia – Getliņi ecological landfill, as well as to continue the tour by visiting the park of Stopiņi district Upesleju boarding primary school–rehabilitation centre, where everyone had the opportunity to participate in the event “Teici, teici, valodiņa” organized by the Sprīdītis` school.

During this event, both adults and small participants of the project perfected their knowledge of Latvian language in various workshops – informative language lessons, workshop for making a dictionary of good words, bird language lessons, bird making workshop, sock bird game workshop, and music and dance language workshop. At the concert of the folklore ensemble “Reiz bija” from Liepāja, the audience was asked to love and honour the cities they come from. The event was concluded with particularly positive emotions for the participants, when they learned the Latvian dances together with the organizers and volunteers!

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“We would like to thank wholeheartedly the organizers for this great event! Everything is perfectly organized, the day is sunny, a concert in nature`s lap – could there be any better way to spend this day? Absolute strangers from different cities met each other today, relaxed, danced and sang together. I would like to participate in just as nice and enlightening informative day next year,” Ukrainian Ludmila has a lot of positive words to spare.

“Such informative days provide a great support and a sense of belonging to Latvia. Without these tours it would be impossible to learn so much! We have found new friends, like-minded people and enriched our experience with many new impressions,” says Sofija from Uzbekistan.

In order to facilitate the participation of third-country nationals in the social processes and ensure full access to support, adaptation and integration services in Latvia, non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” have been organizing various integration measures in Riga, Ozolnieki, Olaine, Salaspils, Stopini and Liepaja since January, involving more than 200 third-country nationals and residents of Latvia.

Informative day “Riču Raču” will take place in Stopiņi!

04.06.2014. To inform the third-country nationals residing in Latvia about the informative integration resources available to them, as well as to acquaint them with Latvian culture and tradition, non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” are organizing Informative day “Riču raču” in Stopiņi on June 7.

From 10:00 to 13:00 the participants will have the opportunity to go on tours to see the Stopiņi district.

From 11:00 to 15:30 small participants of “Riču raču” will have the opportunity to participate in creative activities of Sprīdītis` school at Upesleju Boarding primary school / rehabilitation centre.

From 16:00 to 17:30 everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy a concert, participate in sports activities, as well as to learn practical information from experts on electronic resources and services available in Latvia for third-country nationals*, to provide support for them in day to day issues.

Come and enjoy the day with us! :)

Members of the project “Support Measures for Women and Children” visit Andrejs Pumpurs Museum of Lielvārde with their families

23.05.2014. Last Saturday, on May 17, members of the project “Support Measures for Women and Children” together with their families visited one of the most beautiful corners of Vidzeme – Lielvārde town, interwoven by the mysterious legends of Latvian folk hero Lāčplēsis (Bear-slayer).

Member of the project Natālija Kertanova tells that the visit to Andrejs Pumpurs Museum of Lielvārde was an unforgettable experience both for the adults and for the children. They got their first impressions in Lielvārde Park – the sculptures of fairy characters, the ruins of ancient Lielvārde Knights` Castle, as well as Lielvārde Lutheran Church are located there.

“Two huge secular stones are located in the territory of the museum. One of them is an 80-ton bed of the strong Lāčplēsis. It is said in the ancestral stories that, when focusing on your most cherished wish and asking Lāčplēsis for help while touching the stone, the wish can come true! So we did it and assumed that the true hero – Lāčplēsis – would help anyone who called him for help, and all of our wishes will certainly come true!” N. Kertanova shares her impressions.

While taking a look at the museum`s permanent exhibition, the members of the tour accompanied by a tour guide got to know the epic poem “Lāčplēsis”, history and ethnography of Lielvārde as well as the Lielvārde`s belt.

She says with a smile that it was very exciting to participate in the interactive and informative game – a play about the national epic hero – Lāčplēsis, where all the participants had the opportunity to take a part in.

Andrejs Pumpurs Museum of Lielvārde is the only place in Latvia, where the visitors have an opportunity to play the last battle between the Dark Knight and Lāčplēsis at the exact place where the battle took place about 800 years ago!

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“Our entire team agreed that this town that offers a strong sense of Latvia made a great impression and charmed everyone with its originality, peace and natural beauty! It should be noted that now there is another corner of Latvia that has become truly close and dear to us!”

Since January the meetings of the self-help group “For Each Other” are being organized twice a month. They allow third-country nationals and Latvian women meet each other outside of their homes, thereby contributing to socialization, cooperation and willingness of immigrant women to actively participate. Plus, “leaving the house” helps to increase women`s self-determination, encourages taking an active position to deal with social, professional and personal difficulties.

Whereas the classes in the “Creative Workshops for Kids and Parents” weekly gathers third-country nationals – mothers with young children. Through an interactive presentation the activities promote active cooperation and participation of children and their parents (Latvian holidays and traditions, children`s events and table setting culture, etc.). Topics are chosen by the members themselves, offering to learn a variety of Latvian terns and sayings bilingually.

The aim of the support measures of both of the aforementioned projects is to promote mutual cooperation, to provide mutual support when starting a life in Latvia, to increase the number of social contacts, to encourage the use of Latvian language in the family and social life.

More than 130 third-country nationals with families in Salaspils got to know the nature, culture and history of Latvia

21.05.2014. On Saturday, May 19, the third-country nationals who had arrived on three tour buses from Liepaja, Ozolnieki, Stopini, Olaine and Riga enjoyed the bright sun and got to know the beautiful nature, Latvian dances, cultural and historical windings in Salaspils National Botanical Garden and Museum of the River Daugava on Dole Island. The guests were welcomed by the participants of Latvian language courses of project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2” in their hometown – Salaspils.

This was the second Informative Day* organized by the NGO “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy Providus” within the framework of project “Riču Raču”. The aim of this event was to inform the third-country nationals living in Latvia about the informative integration resources available to them, to introduce them to Latvian culture and traditions, as well as to promote the use of the Latvian language in an informal setting.

More than 130 participants of the event had an opportunity not only to attend a special spring flower fair, but also to get acquainted with the national Latvian folk dancing, jewellery and ceramics. Under the guidance of Andrejs Svilāns, director of the National Botanic Garden, and his colleagues, the participants went on a tour to one of the largest arboretums of Northeastern Europe containing 126 hectares of abundant plant collections – around 14 thousand varieties, including more than 4,000 trees and shrubs, around 1400 conservatory plants, several national collections of ornamental varieties and other valuables.

“We have come to Salaspils from Liepaja. We sometimes go to visit our relatives in Belarus, so we often had to pass by this city. But there have always been the wish to visit Salaspils and learn about its culture and history, so we are incredibly happy to have this opportunity to attend the Informative Day in Botanical Garden and get so many impressions! Many thanks to the organizers of this special day – everything was just great! We were able to understand everything in Latvian and also “practise” speaking Latvian with the young volunteers and our new friends!” Belarussians emotionally shared their impressions. During the event they were able to unexpectedly surprise everyone by singing the song “Dzintars mirdz baltajā liedagā” in Latvian. :)

In order to get the participants of Information Day acquainted with Daugava, The River of Destiny, the Salaspils and the unique history of its surrounding area, “Riču Raču” visitors went to the Museum of the River Daugava on Dole Island. The collection of the museum was formed, focusing on the history of Daugava River and its surroundings, starting with the first entry of people in the territory of Latvia up to the present day. The most valuable of more than 49,000 collection items is the collection of fishing tackle, photos of the Daugava trade, postcards, ethnographic objects, telling us about the way of life on the banks of the Daugava River.

Zinaīda from Riga tells: “We will remember this day for a long time! It was such a beautiful day with lovely people and the chance to enjoy the fantastic nature and culture of Salaspils! I was very impressed by the museum, where we learned about the lives, everyday life and history of Latvian fishermen. Thank you very much for the hospitality! We will go home with an even greater sense of belonging to Latvia!”

Salaspils is one of the six cities that since January have actively implemented integration measures for third-country nationals. Within the framework of the project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2” members of the direct target group living in Salaspils have been learning the Latvian language and everyday speech for four months.

*On April 5 the Informative Day “Riču Raču” was organized in Ozolnieki.

Information Day “Riču Raču” will be organized in Salaspils

13.05.2014. In order to inform the third-country nationals residing in Latvia about the informative integration resources available to them, as well as to acquaint with Latvian culture and traditions, non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy Providus” are organizing an Information Day “Riču Raču” in Salaspils on May 17.

From 14:15 to 15:15, at Miera Street 1 in Salaspils, in the National Botanic Garden, visitors of the event will have an opportunity of learning the steps of Latvian folk dances, as well as obtain practical information from specialists about electronic resources and services available in Latvia to third-country nationals* to provide support in solving of the daily issues.

From 16:00 to 18:30, participants of the event will have an opportunity of visiting one of the largest arboreta in North-eastern Europe – National Botanic Garden, in which 126 ha large area houses rich collections of plants – approximately 14 thousand varieties, including over 4,000 trees and bushes, around 1,400 hothouse plants, several national collections of decorative plants and other values. During the excursions, participants will be offered to visit a special Spring Flower Day and Plant Fair.

In order to acquaint participants of the Information Day with Daugava, the river of fate, as well as the unique history of Salaspils and its surroundings, from 19:00 to 21:00 an excursion will be organized to the Daugava Museum on Dole Island, where an event “My Love – Amber. In a Different Light” will be organized within the framework of the Night of Museums.

Come and enjoy the day with us! :)

Third-Country Nationals in 6 Latvian Towns Engage in Integration Activities

29.04.2014. For the purpose of encouraging involvement of third-country nationals in social processes and ensuring free access to support, adaptation, and integration services in Latvia NGOs Shelter “Safe House” and Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS have been organizing integration events in Riga, Ozolnieki, Olaine, Salaspils, Stopini and Liepaja since January engaging over 200 third-country nationals and Latvian residents within the framework of Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2 project.

Society’s expert team mostly uses their previous experience gathered by ensuring professional support to immigrants in order to give assistance to the target group of the project.

“Since the launch of the project we have consulted over 50 target group clients on various legal matters. In most cases they were consulted on employment, civil law. Clients are mostly interested in job opportunities, receiving and extending residence permits, learning Latvian and taking the language exam,” informs Legal Consultant Gita Miruskina (Gita Miruškina).

Latvian language and conversational language courses within the project are arranged by involving active volunteers based inLatviaincluding third-country nationals. Not only does it facilitate language learning required for easier integration in society but also increase quantity and quality of social contacts of third-country citizens thus giving more opportunities for communication and use of Latvian in family and daily life. Currently training courses are actively attended by 86 third-country nationals.

Creative workshops for kids and parents and self-help group’s For Each Other interactive classes are attended by women and children from third countries as well asLatvia on a weekly basis.

Elena K. who moved to Latvia from Russia tells, “Although I am very communicative, I have a small circle of connections because soon after I arrived inLatviaI had a baby so I spent most of the time at home. But now when I attend creative classes the situation has changed. The chance to meet other moms and practice Latvian has helped me a lot to socialize. The atmosphere in classes is great – we can discuss our problems as well as success. If we need any help, society experts are always responsive and willing to give a piece of advice. Thanks a lot to the society also for organizing trips to get to know Latvian culture and traditions better!”

Project integration activities also engage third-country nationals – seniors who together with Riga Active Senior Alliance (RASA) are participating in joint integration events facilitating unity, integration in society, and support to the project’s direct target group as well as Latvian seniors.

In March two volunteer motivation seminars to create awareness of volunteer work were held for the purpose of improving volunteer team engaged in arranging project activities.

Volunteer Coordinators Reinis Gravitis (Reinis Grāvītis) and Viktorija Rjascenko (Viktorija Rjaščenko) tell, “Latvian society is made of people of all ages – both locals and immigrants. Project activities are organized so that people of any age could engage in the processes with their peers and other generations. Volunteer activities are supplemented by motivational training on time management and conflict management that gave participants great ideas for daily planning and preparing / participating in Ricu Racu (Riču Raču) events. The youth may also participate in other activities – senior, mom club etc. In this project implementation of activities constitutes a small part of what is required to achieve the aim. Joint work and conversations in various languages, experience and knowledge exchange among one another – that is the most important thing in the integration process which is long and uninterrupted.”

Within the framework of the project Information Days are organized in order to ensure all participants of Latvian language courses, Latvian conversational language club and other people involved in project activities a chance to master and practice knowledge gained. The first Ricu Racu event took place in Ozolnieki Cultural House on April 5. The event gathered locals as well as third-country nationals from Ozolnieki, Olaine, Riga, Salaspils, Stopini, and Liepaja. Ricu Racu served as an opportunity for its participants to get to know foreign cultures, find out about information resources available to third-country nationals and get expert consultations. Project developers inform that Information Days will take place on May 17 in Salaspils and on June 7 in Stopini.

In order to raise public awareness of integration of third-country nationals and their achievements while living in Latvia the project offers special stories on internet TV www.nvotv.lv and a TV show on integration Man ir... on LTV7.

Resource www.dzivotlatvija.lv is updated on a regular basis to ensure immigrants with information on rights and opportunities inLatvia according to their needs.

There is an ongoing active cooperation with other NGOs active in the area of immigrant integration to improve the possibility to use funding of the EU and Latvian state to ensure Latvian language learning as well as cooperation and engagement opportunities to third-country nationals and Latvian residents. On May 7 and 8 Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS will organize Citizens’ Debate on Immigration to find solutions to living with immigration inLatvia.

*Third-country nationals are all persons other than citizens of EU, EEA states or Swiss Confederation.

Information Day “Riču Raču” gathered approximately 200 participants from six cities of Latvia

08.04.2014. In order to involve the wider public and to inform it about integration issues, a special Information Day “Riču Raču” organized by the NGOs “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy PROVIDUS” took place on April 5 in People’s House of Ozolnieki. This event gathered approximately 200 local inhabitants and third-country nationals from Ozolnieki, Olaine, Riga, Salaspils, Stopiņi and Liepāja. Within the framework of “Riču Raču” day, each and every participant had a chance to get to know the culture of other countries, to find out about information resources available to third-country nationals and to receive consultations of different specialists.

During the entertainment part of the programme, the participants enjoyed the performances of Jelgava minority collectives, participated in Latvia dances and games, as well as took active part in different creative workshops for adults and children.

Reinis Grāvītis, “Shelter “Safe House”” volunteer instructor tells: “The participants of the event had a chance not only to paint and draw, but also to make souvenirs from yarn and to play different games. It is to be said that kids were really quick-witted and adults had to admit their defeat quite often, for instance, when playing “noughts-and-crosses”. :) In their drawings, the participants most often depicted the flag of Latvia, Riga, sun and other symbols related to Latvia. Participants were particularly interested in creating a collage “What does Latvia mean” from different magazines published in Latvia – some depicted natural landscapes, others drew national costumes. Seemingly easy activities showed the differences in the way we see our countries; however, by cooperating we are able to create united Latvia.”

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Kristīne from Ozolnieki also shares her impressions: “Me and my family were truly happy to participate in such a uniting event ruled by remarkable emotional atmosphere! One could meet and get to know people with different mentality, culture, as well as to find out their thoughts about the life and opportunities in Latvia. The children in turn were truly excited to take part in creative workshops!”

Vladimirs V., 45, came to Riga from Ukraine 6 years ago: “I love Latvia and sincere Latvians very much! I am glad that I visited this information day, because I was able to get to know Latvian folklore and to obtain useful information from specialists; I will definitely use their recommendations!”

Ozolnieki is one of six cities where integration events have been organized for third-country nationals as from January of this year. Within the framework of the project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2” implemented by the non-governmental organization “Shelter “Safe House””, representatives of the direct target group of the project residing in Ozolnieki have been studying Latvian language and colloquial Latvian language for three months already.

“Latvian language courses are highly important to me, because I can systematically master and use the language among the persons sharing my views. It is crucial that pleasant atmosphere is ensured during the courses and participants have positive motivation required to obtain the result – to speak Latvian,” Natālija tells about the participation in the courses.

Society`s specialists inform that the Information Day “Riču Raču” will be organized in other cities of Latvia, where integration activities will be implemented within the framework of the project – it is planned to organize this event in Salaspils in May and in Stopiņi in June.

Special events also take place in a creative workshop located in Riga and intended for women with children, as well as in a self-help group “For Each Other”. More information: http://patverums-dm.lv/lv/radosas-darbnicas-berniem-un-vecakiem. Integration activities for third-country nationals include courses for seniors as well. Read more: http://patverums-dm.lv/lv/atbalsta-pasakumi-senioriem.

In order to raise public’s level of awareness of integration of third-country nationals and their achievements while living in Latvia, special television programmes “Man ir...” (“I have...”) will be offered within the framework of the project; you can watch these programmes every Sunday on LTV7.

Society will organize an Information Day “Riču Raču” on the 5th of April!

01.04.2014. We invite to spend a day-off on the 5th of April together with people of different nationalities!

From 12:00 to 15:00, at Rīgas Street 23, in People’s House of Ozolnieki non-governmental organizations “Shelter “Safe House”” and “Centre for Public Policy Providus” are organizing an Information Day “Riču Raču”.

During the event, both adults and children will have an opportunity to enjoy the performances of Jelgava minority collectives, to participate in Latvia dances and games, as well as to work in different creative workshops.

Come and enjoy the day with us! :)

Contacts: (+371) 67898343, (+371) 29180450.

Self-help group “For Each Other” participants learn wonderful nuances of Ebru painting! :)

17.03.2014. Did you know that it is possible to draw on the water? Turns out – it is! This is a Turkish technique called Ebru – a wonderful art which leaves neither children nor parents indifferent. The participants of the self-help group “For Each Other” had a chance to prove it themselves and participated in this exciting art adventure!

“This drawing was a true discovery for all the participants of the class! Everyone had a chance to draw on the water and see the amazing result – when the paint drops in the water transformed into pieces of art on the paper. Both mothers and children were truly excited! The children could even see fairy images in the drawings – some saw a castle, some – a fantasy forest,” Natālija shares her impressions and adds that such drawing allows everyone to find a new world in which there is a possibility of developing and implementing one’s talents, communicating and having a nice time.

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Ebru drawings are created by using paint that does not dissolve in water, but rather on the surface of it. Different colours of paint do not mix together and, thus, create a unique pattern. Then a sheet of paper is placed on top, a few seconds later the paper is removed and the results of your work can be observed. Each drawing on the water is unique, wherewith not a single work of art can be repeated.

It is known that Ebru drawing is especially recommended for parents with children, since it helps preserving and restoring not only physical health, but also emotional health, while helping to harmonize emotions we transfer to our children!

About the self-help group

Meetings in the self-help group “For Each Other”, which are organized twice a month, give an opportunity for female third-country nationals to meet with each other outside home; Latvian women are also invited to the group, thus promoting socialization of immigrant women, their cooperation and will to actively collaborate. Moreover, “going out” helps in increasing self-determination of women, promote taking an active position in order to handle household, professional and personal difficulties.

In order to solve different social and legal or other issues, project consultants who help in improving the level of awareness of women about the availability of different services are involved in the self-help group which is managed by the representative of the direct target group.

The aims of the support activities are to promote mutual cooperation, to ensure mutual support when starting to live in Latvia, to increase the number of social contacts, to ensure the use of Latvian language in family and social life.

On March 15 of this year, the participants of the self-help group visited the bakery “Lāči” and learnt about Latvian traditions of bread making. During the excursion, practical use of colloquial Latvian language of the participants was stimulated, listening and question-making skills were improved, thus motivating the representatives of the target group to undergo the naturalization process!

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The project is co-financed by the European Union.

Implementation of the project Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2 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””.

Sushi master-class in the creative workshop!

12.03.2014. A few decades ago most of the inhabitants of Latvia had a mere hunch about the traditional Japanese food – sushi, and only few had tasted it. Over the years sushi has become more available in Latvia and is currently rather popular in parties and holidays. In order to understand the preparation of this tasty food, Latvian language learning was carried out during the creative workshop and sushi class for parents and children!

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The class for parents and children was conducted by Jeļena Kuzmiškina, a representative of the direct target group of the project who has been living in Latvia for almost seven years. The aim of the programme is to create a support resource for third-country nationals – mothers with little children; within the framework of this programme, active cooperation and involvement of a child and his or her mother is promoted by using creative way of teaching (holidays and traditions celebrated in Latvia, children’s holidays and culture of the table serving, etc.).

It is possible to participate in these classes once a week – on Wednesdays. The topics are selected according to the opinions of the participants themselves, offering to learn the terms and expressions of the Latvian language also bilingually.

The project is co-financed by the European Union.

Support activities for seniors

05.03.2014. Within the framework of the project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2”, special support activities are organized for third-country nationals – seniors.

An integration course "The Stained Glass of My Life” which takes place in Riga envisages practical activities for senior third-country nationals with the participation of the members and activists of the Riga Active Seniors Alliance (RASA), thus creating a support network in which both third-country nationals and citizens of Latvia participate.

The aim of the programme is to promote socialization (orienteering in the society) and to create a support resource for senior third-country nationals, creating an available resource correspondent to the age and interests with a creative way of teaching, to provide knowledge required in the integration processes (learning about Latvian culture and history, holidays and traditions celebrated in Latvia, creation of active lifestyle and handicrafts, intercommunication and cooperation, etc.).

This course which includes Latvian handicraft classes promotes the socialization and integration of seniors, since within the framework of the activities seniors are given an opportunity to find new friends, to improve their creativity and, possibly, to find new hobbies! :)

Activities are bilingual, stimulating the use of colloquial Latvian language on practice.

During the classes of the club “Active Lifestyle”, seniors – third-country nationals are given an opportunity not only to learn to play board games and sports games popular in Latvia, but also to participate in physical activities to maintain their health under the guidance of a professional teacher.

Health support is an important factor at any age; however, it is even more significant for this particular target group, since all medical services are fee-based. By staying physically fit, seniors are able not only to reduce their expenses for health care, but also to enjoy Nordic walking popular in Latvia and other physical activities together with Latvian seniors.

An active senior will be able to inspire others to do outdoor activities and to participate in social life!

In parallel to the classes during the Latvian language courses and in a colloquial language club, seniors are offered excursions aiming at helping seniors to learn more about the culture and history of Latvian people, as well as to learn new words of colloquial Latvian language on practice.

The language of the support group is bilingual, which is ensured by a support person for the provision of seniors’ activities and volunteers.

The cooperation with the Association of Latvian Seniors provides the target group of the project with an opportunity of easier integration – the organization of different joint activities helps finding people sharing the same interests, learning new words of colloquial Latvian language, as well as ensuring mutual support.

In order to reduce social isolation of seniors, social and psychological support is provided by a support person – psychologist who improves adaptive skills of seniors, conducts individual and group classes, promotes interpersonal communication between the direct target group and members of Latvian society, motives to participate in activities on the development of a united society. In the informal atmosphere of the meeting, it is offered to discuss the difficulties faced due to the age, the difficulties of adaptation, how to overcome them, usefulness for a family and society, home sickness, the mechanisms of overcoming it, etc. The content of meetings is mostly planned by the representatives of the target group.

The project is co-financed by the European Union.

Within the framework of the integration project third-country nationals are offered training courses and different activities in several Latvian cities

10.01.14 In order to develop diverse support, adaptation and integration possibilities available to third-country nationals, in January 2014 the non-governmental organization “Shelter “Safe House”” launched the implementation of the support project “Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2”. The project will take place: January 9, 2014 – June 30, 2014.

Aiming at ensuring active participation of third-country nationals and Latvian society in the integration process, Latvian language and Latvian colloquial language courses are offered within the framework of the project using different innovative methods in six Latvian cities – Liepāja, Olaine, Salaspils, Stopiņi, Ozolnieki, Riga (for seniors). It will not only stimulate mastering of the language required for easier integration into the society, but also increase the number and quality of social contacts of third-country nationals by obtaining a possibility for a lot wider communication and use of Latvian language in family and everyday life. More information on registration for the training courses: tel.: 67898343, 29180450, e-mail: drosa.maja@apollo.lv.

It is offered to solve household, social, legal or other problems by using the support of professional consultants, with whose mediation third-country nationals will obtain new abilities, skills and knowledge how to orient themselves in the resources available in Latvia. Whereas, by understanding the scope of problems topical for the direct target group of the project, the society will be addressed by the mediation of the Internet-television (NVO TV) and during Information Days “Riču Raču” – in Salaspils, Ozolnieki and Stopiņi.

Women and children from both third countries and Latvia will actively participate in creative workshops for children and parents, as well as in the self-help group “For Each Other” by engaging in interactive activities, thus, ensuring continuous and voluntary integration process.

Within the framework of the project third-country nationals – seniors will be involved; together with Riga Alliance of Active Seniors (RASA) they will participate in joint integrative activities that will promote unity, integration into the society and support of both direct target group of the project and Latvian seniors.

Improvement of the website www.dzivotlatvija.lv during the project will ensure updated and easy-to-use information on the essential needs of third-country nationals (family, employed, students and entrepreneurs), including possibilities of participation which promote participation of third-country nationals in the integration process. Whereas, the information offered on the website regarding many fields will increase the awareness of third country nationals and inhabitants of Latvia about the aspects of integration, thus, helping website users to become more active participants in the integration process, for example, to use the information obtained from the website in order to help some third-country national.

During the discussions of citizens on immigration, the participants will share their views and discuss immigration and the way how to promote the formation of a more inclusive society, to provide support and equal opportunities to all inhabitants of Latvia. Involvement of third-country nationals in the discussions is an example how all the involved parties cooperate in the discussions on immigration policy and the conversation “about immigrants” does not take place “without immigrants”.

On the platform of dialogue in the fields of integration of immigrants, active NGO will strengthen cooperation and discuss current events of the integration field, including policy incentives, thus, actively cooperating in the formation and implementation of integration policy.

Since 2009 the society has been implementing various projects** aimed at ensuring operation of a resource centre for immigrants, including Latvian language learning, social psychological and adaptation services by offering legal advice, consultations with social workers and other specialists, developing informative materials and facilitating public awareness of immigration.

*Activities planned within the framework of the project match a few points included in policy planning document: Guidelines on National Identity, Civil Society, and Integration Policy 2012 - 2018.

** Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration (2013), Multidisciplinary Support System for Third-Country Nationals, Raising Competence of Social Workers at Municipalities, Societies, and Foundations for Work with Third-Country Nationals (2011), Meeting Space (2009).

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%).

Project budget is EUR 157 854,89.

Additional information:

Rasa Saliņa, PR specialist

Mob. tel. no. (+371) 22026355

rasa.salina@gmail.com

Foto galerijas