A three day integration event will take place within the activity „The development of the language and adaptation programmes for the third – countries nationals and formation of the cohesive society”. Activities in the event will be held for two target groups – seniors and families with children at pre – school and school – age. The activities will be interactive and educational, to facilitate the active co-operation among the third country nationals – seniors and families with children – and citizens of Latvia.
The integration event for seniors will take place in Balvi and Stāmeriena (Gulbene region) 22nd – 25th May. The activities on the programme include: excursion around Balvi Town, participation at Latvian folk art workshops (the shaping of candles and crafts from felt and other materials, preparation of soap, sharing by new knowledge and skills). There will be the possibility to explore Vēršukalns museum in Viļaka region and observe bread baking process, as well as traditional Latgalian oven. The performance of local folk-group is planned, as well as excursion around Viļaka Town, introduction with the history, traditions, manor - house, church and narrow railway in Stāmeriena. Seminar “Latvian language training possibilities in Latvia”, practical work-shops at Platform MOODLE, and discussion “Resources available for immigrants in Latvia. Importance of co-operation in integration process” is planned in parallel sessions. The visit to the Dundenieki family ceramics studio will be provided, as well as watching of the movie “Vāpes dziesma” (The song of glaze).
The families with children will explore the art of theatre from 30th of May to 2nd of June. They will receive information about the resources available for the immigrants in Latvia to learn Latvian language and to obtain the citizenship through theoretical lectures. There will be an opportunity to practically start using the MOODLE environment for Latvian language training developed by partner – NGO “Shelter “Safe House””, to explore cultural heritage of the Northern Latgale – ceramics, traditions of cake baking. The jointly staged theatre performance and introduction with Latvian movies will unite the target groups of the project.
In order to provide the valuable possibilities for parents to acquire theoretical and practical skills, to develop Latvian language skills, to introduce Latvian movies, as well as to stage inter-cultural theatre performance “All world takes part at theatre”, the activities for children according to their age will be held separately. As the Dundenieki family ceramics studio is located in Saksmale, Bērzpils region, there will be the possibility to observe the ceramics made by the only professionals in Balvi region, to watch video “Vāpes dziesma” (The Song of Glaze), in which the process of the ceramics making is showed in the full scope. The participants will have the chance to try to make ceramics.
Families with children will introduce the traditional Latgalian oven and the path of bread from the grain to the plate. Activities will be photographed, and all participants will receive a photo-collage describing three days of being together.
The local guide will tell about Latgalian towns – Balvi and Viļaka, the cultural heritage, and local traditions.
The staged theater performance, new songs, and dances will be presented in the conclusion of the integration event.
To apply for these activities, please phone: Maruta - 26162614, Zinaida- 29203754
To ensure the quality of the project activities, the association has involved the partner "Shelter" Safe House "", which is one of the leading Latvian organizations providing services and support for different groups of immigrants. Project financing is EUR 46 788.11.
The project is co-financed by the European Union. Implementation of the project „Far away from the motherland – nevertheless at home” 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 “Ritineitis”.