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.”
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”. Integration activities for third-country nationals include courses for seniors as well.
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.
More information about project "Diverse Solutions for Public Education and Integration 2".
Contacts: (+371) 67898343, (+371) 29180450.
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””.
Additional information for media:
Rasa Saliņa, PR specialist
Mob. tel. no. (+371) 22026355
rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv
