All in all over 50 participants — Ukrainians, Russians, Chinese, Kurds, Arabs and Latvians — listened to the emotional Ukrainian songs and a presentation about Ukraine. The bright Ukrainian handmade embroideries were also exhibited for the participants to admire. The afternoon included a game of questions and answers, during which the participants could learn facts about other countries and each of them was glad to tell something about their own culture too. Ukrainians as the hosts of the event treated everyone to their national dishes — the traditional Ukrainian borscht, stuffed pancakes, pierogi stuffed with cottage cheese and other culinary treats.
Since most participants are learning Latvian, words of the warmest appreciation were offered to the teacher of Latvian. Near the close of the event the participants formed a Circle of Friendship and expressed their views on the role of cooperation in understanding other cultures and integration of people from various cultures.
“Upon learning about the culture of each nation and overcoming the language barrier integration becomes easier. Everyday communication has broken down the walls of internal prejudice too. After learning more about Latvian people, history, culture, feasts, traditions and gaining new friends in the process we now feel welcome and at home here", the participants of the event shared their experiences.
“This is a unique opportunity to enjoy so different cultures and languages at the same time! We really hope that the tradition of introducing each other to various cultures will continue and we will be able to learn much more about the representatives of different nationalities, who live in Latvia!”
This was the fourth event of national culture days organised in Zemgale region. Two such events have taken place in Ozolnieki municipality. On 13 August an event dedicated to Chinese culture took place in the Green Classroom of Ozolnieki Secondary School. Over 40 people attended the event, including Ukrainians, Russians and Latvians.
We would like to offer our thanks to Ane Youth Centre for its welcome, the organisers of the event and volunteers for the intimate and friendly atmosphere of the event!
ICI operates as a one one-stop-shop and provides information and support to persons, who have come to Latvia from countries outside the EU, as well as professional support to service providers in all municipalities in Latvia, coordinates awareness and availability of services to various groups of immigrants. ICI offices are located in Riga and at four Points of Contact – in Kurzeme (Liepaja), in Vidzema (Cesis), in Latgale (Daugavpils), in Zemgale (Jelgava). ICI Point of Contact in Jelgava provides support to immigrants, who have chosen to settle in Zemgale. ICI Zemgale telephone helpline: +371 25719588, email: ici.jelgava@gmail.com, Peldu Street 7 – 211, Jelgava.
“Information Centre for Immigrants” is implemented within the framework of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is co-funded by the European Union. Activities of the Information Centre are ensured and developed by the Society “Shelter “Safe House””. Grant agreement No. PMIF/12/2016/1/1.
Information prepared by Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Communications and Social Media Expert, e-mail: rasa.salina@gmail.com
