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