Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!

The project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!”, implemented by the association “Patvērums “Drošā māja””, has concluded. Over the course of three years, 884 people attended the introductory course on life in Latvia. Of these, 823 participants completed the course and received a certificate. In total, classes were held for 55 groups over a period of approximately three years.

The project was launched in November 2023 with the aim of promoting the participation of third-country nationals in Latvian society through knowledge and helping people who had recently arrived in Latvia to better navigate their new place of residence. Participants included both asylum seekers and third-country nationals who had been granted the right to reside in Latvia.

The introductory course consisted of a 30-hour training programme providing participants with practical knowledge needed for everyday life. The lecturers — both specialists from the association and specially invited experts — covered Latvian history, culture and traditions, finding accommodation, employment and education, the healthcare and social welfare systems, migration issues, human rights and non-discrimination, as well as the use of banking services, public transport and other everyday services.

An important part of the course was the opportunity to learn about Latvia beyond the classroom. Participants visited state and municipal institutions, museums and other venues for practical activities. For example, sessions were held at the National History Museum of Latvia, while asylum seekers from Liepna visited the Alūksne Municipality Museum. Several groups visited a ceramics studio, where they gained practical insight into Latvian folk art by making clay vessels themselves.

The experience gained through the project demonstrated that people who have recently arrived in Latvia need not only information but also opportunities to understand in practical terms where to turn for assistance, what steps to take and how the systems needed in everyday life operate in Latvia. Combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience was one of the key elements of the course. Such knowledge helps newcomers better understand Latvian society and avoid misunderstandings. This also benefits Latvian society as a whole by fostering mutual understanding, reducing the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts, and helping to build a more cohesive society.

The project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!” was implemented from 1 November 2023 to 31 August 2026.

The project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!” was implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the 2021–2027 period, Grant Agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. The total project funding amounts to EUR 302,765.06, comprising EUR 227,073.79 in funding from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and EUR 75,691.27 in funding from the Latvian state budget.

From 2023 to 2026, we implemented the project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!”, providing people who had arrived in Latvia with different statuses with basic knowledge about the country. The participants included both asylum seekers and third-country nationals who had been granted the right to reside in Latvia. We would now like to share the experience gained through the project.

On Thursday, 27 August, the association “Patvērums “Drošā māja”” invites media representatives to a press breakfast. The event will take place at the association’s premises at Lāčplēša iela 75–1B, from 11:00 to 12:00.

As part of the project, participants were introduced to life in Latvia through a cycle of 9 sessions totalling 30 hours. The sessions covered the following topics:

● a general introduction to Latvia;
● Latvian history, culture and traditions;
● the housing market and accommodation;
● practical information about services (banking, public transport, telecommunications, etc.);
● non-discrimination and equal opportunities;
● employment and the education system;
● interest groups and leisure activities;
● healthcare and the social welfare system in Latvia;
● migration issues.

The sessions included both lectures and visits to state and municipal institutions and museums, as well as practical activities.

At the press breakfast, specialists from the association “Patvērums “Drošā māja”” who conducted the sessions over the three years will share their experience and discuss these and other aspects of the project. They will be joined by group coordinator Diāna Ziediņa, who has also gained new experience and fresh insights through her work with newcomers. We will also endeavour to have several course graduates present. In addition, we will watch videos produced during the course of the project.

Over the three years, we provided training to a total of 821 people in 55 groups.

The project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!” is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the 2021–2027 period and will continue until August 2026.

Last year, the association "Shelter ‘Safe House’" continued to provide support to third-country nationals and persons in need of international protection, helping them gain a better understanding of life in Latvia.

The goal of the project "Latvia – a country by the Baltic Sea!" is to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge about the country, its institutions, legislation, culture, and daily life.

In 2025, a total of 29 training groups were implemented with 443 participants. Men predominated among the participants at 84%, while women made up 16% of the total. These data also reflect broader migration trends, where men are more frequently involved in migration due to employment and security considerations.

During the courses, participants acquire knowledge about Latvia`s social system, healthcare, employment opportunities, human rights, non-discrimination principles, and public administration, as well as Latvian history, culture, and traditions. The sessions take the form of both lectures and practical activities, including visits to institutions, to help participants navigate life in Latvia.

Thank you to all participants and cooperation partners for a successful year!

The project "Latvia – a country by the Baltic Sea!" is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the 2021–2027 period and will continue until August 2026.

At the end of the year, marking the conclusion of the training course, we celebrated a heartwarming Christmas together with asylum seekers at the Accommodation Centre for Asylum Seekers “Mucenieki”

The celebrations featured a rich and joyful program: a Christmas decorations workshop, gingerbread baking, and, of course, the long-awaited arrival of the Latvian Santa Claus. Every participant, both asylum seekers and volunteers, received a bright apple with an individual wish written in Latvian. Together, we sang winter songs and played traditional games, creating a true festive atmosphere.

The joy was felt by everyone: the guests, the "Shelter ‘Safe House’" team, and the volunteers. These moments of togetherness unite people across cultures. After work and worries, everyone needs a moment of peace, warmth, and community.

We would like to thank the multifunctional center "Mucenieki" for their hospitality and for providing the premises for this event!

Take a look at these festive moments in our photo gallery!

The event took place within the framework of the project "Latvia – a country by the Baltic Sea!" with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

A month ago, at the association “Shelter ‘Safe House’”, we celebrated several occasions at once: the summer solstice, World Refugee Day, and the completion of the Introductory Course for groups who had gained knowledge about life in Latvia.

The celebration brought together Ukrainian refugees as well as newcomers from many other countries. The atmosphere was warm and international.

The program included a variety of workshops: participants wove traditional Latvian flower wreaths, made trejdeksnis ornaments, and painted tiles with dove figures as symbols of peace.

The ceremonial part was opened by Gunta Vīksne, a board member of “Safe House”, along with representatives of the UN Refugee Agency, Yolande Ditewig and Dace Meilija.

The highlight of the event was the visit of the Rīgas Danči musicians! Their songs and dances captivated both children and adults—many sang and danced along with Rīgas Danči.

To conclude the day, everyone enjoyed a shared festive meal. Delicious, cozy, and heartfelt.

May we all have a warm and prosperous life in Latvia!

Take a look at the celebration photos in the gallery.

The event took place within the project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!” with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund.
Grant Agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

A specially tailored introductory course on life in Latvia has concluded, this time designed specifically for Ukrainian healthcare professionals. The aim was not only to provide practical information about living in Latvia, but also to create space for conversation, experience-sharing, and creative collaboration.

To make the course truly useful for medical professionals, several content adjustments were made. Participants visited the Latvian Medical Association, where they received up-to-date information about medical education opportunities, as well as guidance on certification procedures and required documents for practicing in Latvia.

Lecturer Andris Šķenders led a session on employment. A special guest from LVSADA, Līga Bāriņa, introduced participants to the opportunity to join a trade union and benefit from its legal protection services.

The cultural part of the course included a visit to the Pauls Stradiņš Museum of the History of Medicine, where participants explored the development of medicine in Latvia with the help of a guide. Historian Gunta Vīksne also provided an overview of Latvia’s historical background.

A special moment was the ceramic workshop at the VEF Culture Palace studio “Saule”, where participants created clay dishes and other items – experiencing Latvian culture in a hands-on way. Photos of their creations can be viewed in our gallery.

Participants shared heartfelt and inspiring feedback:

“Thank you for the meeting at the Medical Association. Very useful information, everyone tried to help us. The museum tour was wonderful. Thank you for your help and support!”

“Huge thanks for the course! It provided so much useful information and the chance to try our hand at art. The coordinators and lecturers were excellent!”

The positive experience highlights the importance of continuing to create introductory programmes tailored to specific professional groups. We are already planning the next ones.

The project “Latvia – a country by the Baltic Sea!” is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (2021–2027), grant agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

Healthcare specialists who have recently arrived in Latvia from Ukraine are participating in an introductory course about life in Latvia, specifically designed to meet their needs and interests.

The training takes place at the premises of the organization "Shelter ‘Safe House’" in Riga, in a location that is easily accessible from various parts of the city.

The core of the course consists of interactive lectures, where participants gain essential information about Latvia’s healthcare system and integration opportunities. The sessions are led by experts from "Shelter ‘Safe House’", who have 15 years of experience assisting newcomers.

In addition to lectures, participants will take part in various activities, including excursions to the Latvian National Museum of History, the Latvian Medical Association, the Healthcare Workers` Trade Union, and the National Library of Latvia. The course will conclude with a special clay workshop.

The training is conducted in Russian. Classes are held in the evenings on weekdays and during the day on Saturdays. Participants will also enjoy tea, coffee, and sweets during breaks. At the end of the course, they will receive a certificate.

The project "Latvia – A Country by the Baltic Sea!" is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (2021–2027), grant agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

It seems that almost everyone in Latvia has already seen “Flow”, some even several times.

We, “Shelter “Safe House””, wanted to show the film to asylum seekers with the permission of the film-makers. Like the characters in the film, they are currently going through a long journey, at times threatening and painful. 

The film was a success!

Asylum seekers – old and young – gathered at the Mucenieki Multifunctional Centre. It was a beautiful conclusion to an introductory course about life in Latvia. Before watching the film, a treat of freshly baked waffles with berries and whipped cream was served.

Thank you to the creators of “Flow” and producer Matīss Kaža personally for the opportunity to show the film in Mucenieki! We hope and expect that the lemur will add an Oscar statuette to his collection.

Project “Latvia – a country by the Baltic Sea!”  is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the period 2021-2027, grant agreement No. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. Total funding of the project is EUR 302,765.06, which consists of EUR 227,073.79 from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and EUR 75,691.27 from the national budget of Latvia.

In the second half of January, an introductory course about life in Latvia successfully concluded for asylum seekers currently residing at the PMIC "Liepna".

The final sessions focused on Latvia`s history, traditions, and culture and were held at the Alūksne Museum. Course participants learned not only about Latvia`s history but also about Alūksne`s, while exploring a unique collection of clocks and traditional costumes.

The project “Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!” is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund for the 2021–2027 period, grant agreement no. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

Throughout 2024, "Shelter "Safe House"" organises and provides training - an introductory course about life in Latvia. The training has been attended by both asylum seekers living in the accommodation centres in Mucenieki and Liepnė, and migrants from Ukraine and other countries who have chosen Latvia as their country of residence but have been living here for less than 5 years.

The training will continue next year, but this time we will highlight what has been done so far.

Between 1 November 2023 and 19 December 2025, 236 people have taken the Introduction to Life in Latvia course, of whom 219 have received certificates of completion. In total, the course participants included persons under international protection from 32 countries.

In order to communicate with the participants, translation from Latvian into Farsi, Pashto, French, Arabic, Kurdish, Dari, Hindi and other languages was provided by the One Stop Agency of the Society Integration Foundation.

The introductory course covered the following topics: immigrants` rights, job opportunities, housing and rent, healthcare, education, traditions and culture.

The lectures were held in Mucenieki, Liepnė and in the premises of "Shelter "Safe House"" at 75 Lāčplēša Street, Riga, as well as in other premises. However, some of the knowledge was transferred and received in a practical way - by going on study excursions. We have visited the following institutions and organisations: the Business Incubator of the University of Latvia, the State Employment Agency, Startup House Riga, the Latvian National History Museum, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga Zoological Garden, the folk applied art ceramics studio "Saule", the Alūksne Municipality Museum.

The next year will also continue learning about life in Latvia. The project will run until 31 August 2026, and at the end of the project the society "Shelter "Safe House"" will invite media representatives to a special event where they will share the experience gained during the project.

The project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea!" is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the period 2021-2027, grant agreement No PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. The total funding of the project is EUR 302 765.06, consisting of EUR 227 073.79 from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and EUR 75 691.27 from the Latvian state budget.

Just now, 34 people have completed integration courses in Liepāja within the project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea"!

As the graduation coincided with the Latvian Patriotic Week, the representatives of the society "Shelter "Safe House"" prepared a special treat for the graduates and also Latvian flag ribbons.

Project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea!" is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the period 2021-2027, grant agreement No PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

As autumn is setting in, we look back in summer mood on the joint activities carried out within the project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea".

We have enriched each other in countless ways with third-country nationals and we know that our cooperation will continue to flourish!

The project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea!" is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund for the period 2021-2027, grant agreement No PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04.

The main goal of the project: to promote an active involvement of citizens of third countries in Latvian society through a theoretical and practical approach. In order to achieve this, the association "Shelter "Safe House"" organizes and provides courses about life in Latvia.

The association "Shelter "Safe House"" started the implementation of the project on November 1, 2023, but on September 24, 2024, already the 13th group of third-country nationals – in this case people from Afghanistan – completed the integration course.

Within the framework of the project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea!" the most important information about the Latvian state and legislation is provided. Information of value is given about social system, migration law, non-discrimination, health system, as well as about the history and traditions of Latvia.

Since the start of the project, a total of more than 150 people have participated in the integration courses. Most represented countries are following: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Iran, Ukraine!

It should be mentioned that, as part of the integration course, third-country nationals have visited the Riga History and Shipping Museum, the Business Incubator of the University of Latvia, the Riga Stradins University, the State Employment Agency, as well as other institutions promoting integration in the professional and social environment of Latvia.

Furthermore – the Latvian War Museum has evoked special emotions among third-country nationals, significantly expanding understanding and horizons regarding the complex twists and turns of Latvian history.

The association "Shelter "Safe House"" will continue to implement the project until August 31, 2026.

The project "Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!" is being implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund for the period 2021–2027, under grant agreement no. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. The total project funding is €302,765.06, comprising €227,073.79 from the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund and €75,691.27 from the Latvian state budget.

The information was prepared by: Harijs Kadiķis, public relations specialist of the association "Shelter "Safe House""; e-mail: drosa.maja@gmail.com, phone number: 22026355

The association "Shelter "Safe House`" invites third-country nationals to an introductory course (a cycle of 9 lessons) about life in Latvia.

We will start a morning/daytime group in Russian on June 3 at 11:00 AM.

Don’t miss out! Register by calling +371 20 179 483, clicking the link https://t.ly/sZfnH, or scanning the QR code on the informational leaflet.

The leaflet with the schedule and lesson topics is available here.

"Shelter `Safe House`" is located at Lāčplēša Street 75 — a location easily accessible from the Central Station and other parts of Riga. For 15 years, we have been helping newcomers in Latvia. The course will be taught by our most competent lawyers and other specialists!

At least two lessons will include excursions. During breaks, we’ll enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

Registration is open to individuals aged 13 and above. Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

The project “Latvia – A Country by the Baltic Sea!” is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund for the 2021–2027 period under grant agreement no. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. The total project funding is €302,765.06, consisting of €227,073.79 from the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund and €75,691.27 from the Latvian state budget.

This week two groups of assylym seekers have graduated a course learning about life in Latvia. In the span of just over three weeks the participants attended eight lessons. The training took place both in the Asylum Seekers Accommodation Center in Mucenieki and in Riga, in the Association "Shelter "Safe House"".

Training covered ample amount of relevant topics: immigration policy, job opportunities, health care, education, traditions and culture. Both groups also visited the Latvian National History Museum to get a first glimpse of Latvian cultural heritage.

Alvis Šķenders, a lawyer at the "Shelter “Safe House””, says about these groups: "The participants showed genuine interest in the topics discussed in the lectures. They were particularly interested in the apartment rental market in Latvia and job opportunities".

The classes were conducted by specialists of the "Shelter "Safe House"" as well as different experts of relevant fields of health care, emplyment ect. Among them should be mentioned the lawyers of the Latvian Human Rights Center Edgars Oļševskis and Liliana Garkalne, the expert of the State Employment Agency Juris Liepiņš, the head of the National Health Service Customer Service Center Lāsma Matjuka, as well as social workers Anita Feldmane and Iluta Samsonova.

On February 26, 28 asylum seekers received certificates for completion of the training course.

The project "Latvia - a country by the Baltic Sea!" is implemented with the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027. year period support, grant agreement no. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. The total financing of the project is 302,765.06 euros, which consists of 227,073.79 euros from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and 75,691.27 euros from the Latvian state budget.

On November 1, 2023, the association "Shelter "Safe House"" initiates the project "Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!", which will be implemented until August 31, 2026.

The goal of the project is to promote the active involvement of third-country citizens in Latvian society through knowledge. To achieve this, we will organize and provide introductory courses on life in Latvia, encompassing both theoretical and practical knowledge acquisition. Working with immigrants is one of the two main directions of the association`s activities, and we have accumulated significant experience, which we are eager to apply to assist those in need of an understanding of life in Latvia.

The classes will take place in several locations, including the association`s premises in Riga, PMC "Mucenieki," and Liepna in the Aluksne region. We invite representatives of two target groups to participate: 1) third-country citizens who have obtained the right to reside in Latvian territory; 2) individuals in need of international protection (refugees, individuals with alternative status, and asylum seekers).

To reinforce the knowledge already gained on various topics during the courses, visits to various state and municipal institutions will be organized. For example, we will visit municipal social services, the State Employment Agency, the Ombudsman`s Office, the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Society Integration Foundation etc.. The purpose of these visits is to provide practical knowledge about the opportunities to receive various forms of support.

After the completion of each study group, a closing event is planned with the issuance of certificates.

At the conclusion of the project, we will invite media representatives to a special event where we will share the experience gained during the project. Information about the project events will be communicated on our website www.patverums-dm.lv and on social networks.

The project "Latvia – a Country by the Baltic Sea!" is being implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund for the period 2021–2027, under grant agreement no. PMIF/13.3./2023/1/04. The total project funding is €302,765.06, comprising €227,073.79 from the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund and €75,691.27 from the Latvian state budget.