Within the framework of the integration training course, persons under international protection can acquire knowledge about the state of Latvia, state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, inclusion in society, principles of non-discrimination, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment opportunities, education system and educational opportunities, leisure opportunities, health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. In order to have families with children involved in the classes, babysitting was also organized.
The first group completed the integration course launched in March at the beginning of April. 15 people from Latvia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were trained. The greatest interest in this study group was about job opportunities in various occupations. Considering that the courses were also attended by families with children, there were many issues related to the education of children - both general and interest education. After having completed the course and received certificates for the acquired knowledge, the course participants positively assessed the information obtained during the training and emphasized that it was practical and would be very useful in the future.
For the second study group, the five-lesson cycle on Latvia was implemented in April. This group consisted of 15 persons under international protection from Eritrea, Pakistan, Syria, Bangladesh, Sudan, Azerbaijan and Russia.
"Upon receipt of certificates of completion of the integration course, clients from Bangladesh and Eritrea expressed gratitude to the project team and acknowledged that it was very useful for them to learn and understand the Latvian education and health system from the lecturers," Project Manager Zanda Rudene said. "During the lectures on respecting the principle of non-discrimination in Latvia, clients acknowledged that they have not yet experienced discrimination from the Latvian society or some particular attention because of their skin colour and feel safe on the street. The course participants emphasized that the integration course was a great support to get to know Latvia." She was pleased that the attendance rate of the course was 100%, indicating the interest of the participants and the relevance of the course.
Quality communication with both groups was provided by Arabic, Thai, Urdu, Dari and Turkish translators or language experts.
To provide persons under international protection with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills in the Latvian language needed for work and in everyday life, while also developing the major language skills: reading skills, speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and grammar use, in the frameworks of the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project the Latvian language course began in March, which is currently provided for two study groups. In total, 25 persons under international protection from 11 countries have studied the Latvian language: from Eritrea (7), Afghanistan (2), Azerbaijan (5), Russia (4), Israel (1), Congo (1), Sudan (1), Tajikistan (1), Belarus (1), Uzbekistan (1), Georgia (1). It is planned that the Latvian language training for both groups will last until June of this year.
Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.
The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union.
Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv
