The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II

Both groups started the integration course simultaneously on 5 June and completed on 15 June. In each group, the course was mastered by 8 students who came to Latvia from Azerbaijan, Colombia, Vietnam, Yemen, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran and Cameroon. In both groups, the participants were interested in the course of the lectures, which was also evidenced by 100% attendance of the lectures each time. The main interest was in legal matters, such as where to turn to for information before a permanent residence permit has been obtained, how to prepare/write the necessary documentation, where to obtain the services of an interpreter, as well as medical matters, such as where to turn to for help, etc. Having completed the course and received the certificates of the acquired knowledge, the students appreciated the information obtained during the training and emphasized that it had been practical and would be very useful in future.

Quality communication with participants of both study groups was ensured by Dari, Spanish and French interpreters and language experts.

On June 21, both groups had a closing event – they visited Laima chocolate museum.

At the same time, the training, which was implemented by PMC Mucenieki and interrupted due to the state of emergency declared in the country, was completed by the 11th group of Latvian language training course consisting of 8 people from Azerbaijan, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan and Cameroon. Currently, the 12th group of 14 students is still continuing their studies and it is planned that the certificates of completion of the course will be received on the last day of the project implementation, i.e. on 30 June.

In total, it is planned to provide support to at least 500 persons under international protection – adults and children – within the framework of the project "Support measures for persons under international protection II" until 30 June 2020.

The project "Support measures for persons under international protection II" is implemented with the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is co-financed by the European Union. Grant agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that, taking into account the state of emergency declared in the country, integration courses and courses of Latvian within the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection” for now have been suspended for an indefinite period of time. The course of Latvian for the 11^th group, which started in February and was implemented in CAS Mucenieki, was interrupted, but the start of the integration course for the 19^th group was postponed.

“Not to forget, what has already been learned during lessons of Latvian, it is essential not to stop and to continue learning the language. Therefore, persons under international protection have been informed about opportunities of learning Latvian on their own (to the extent possible) using different remote learning aids for learning of Latvian,” the project manager Zanda Rudene indicates.

MASTERING LATVIAN LANGUAGE IN INTERNET ENVIRONMENT

Non-governmental organization "Shelter “Safe House"" offers learning Latvian language in Moodle environment. 

The Latvian Language Agency offers several Internet resources for learning and teaching Latvian language. You will find more detailed information about them at:

https://elaipa.lv/Home/A1

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/eng

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/metodiskie-materiali/pieaugusajiem

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/images/Maci/Diaspora_MacibuMateriali/INT%20LVA%20VISS.pdf

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/images/speles/LVA_Saksim_runat_latviski/index.html

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/valodas-apguve/e-nodarbibas#tab2

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/valodas-apguve/e-materiali/skolai

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/images/Maci/Diaspora_MacibuMateriali/LatvijaDraugaAcim_6-9gadi.pdf

http://maciunmacies.valoda.lv/images/Maci/Diaspora_MacibuMateriali/AtversimVartus_MacibuGramata.pdf

http://www.sazinastilts.lv/language-learning/language-portfolio/

From 12 to 19 February, the integration training course about Latvia has been mastered by nine persons under international protection in total – one woman and eight men – from Russia (3), Iran (3), Afghanistan (1) and India (2), informs Zanda Rudene, the head of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”.

“This is the 18^th training group, participants of which mastered practical and useful information about starting living in Latvia within a special support project for persons under international protection. This group of students were most interested in employment – the size of wages in Latvia, tax policy. During lectures, there was also interest in social insurance matters and the market of rental apartments,” notes Z.Rudene.

She points out that translators and language specialists with knowledge of Farsi, Bengali and Hindu from the Information Centre for Newcomers were invited during the entire training period to ensure high quality communication with participants of training groups. English and Russian were used as intermediary languages during studies.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. 

At the same time, along with the integration training course the 11^th training group started learning Latvian in CAS “Mucenieki” on 4 February. Overall, 13 persons under international protection learn Latvian in this group.

From 2 January 2018 until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

Since 2 January 2018, the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” has been implementing the project “Support Measures for Persons under International Protection II” in order to facilitate the integration of the persons under international protection. The project includes an integration course, as well as a Latvian language learning course. The content of both activities is adjusted for individuals who have recently arrived to resettle in Latvia.

During the 12 months of the last year, ten groups — 138 persons — have attended the integration course about Latvia, of which 118 received certificates confirming that they took the course. In total, the course was attended by persons under international protection from 25 countries — Egypt, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Cuba, Russia, USA, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Georgia, Bangladesh, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Iraq, China, Saudi Arabia, Moldova, Ukraine, Syria, Mongolia, Nigeria, Iran, Tajikistan, Cameroon, Belarus and India.

Uzbek, Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Tamil, Turkish, Sorani, Mongolian, Georgian, Kurdish language interpreters or language experts provided by the Information Centre for Newcomers were engaged last year for providing high quality communication with the participants of the training groups.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. To enable families with children to participate in the course, babysitting is organised during the course.

Under the project – along with the integration training course – Latvian language courses took place. The goal was to provide persons under international protection with knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as to develop main language acquiring skills. The courses was available in Riga and in CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

In total, from January to December 2019, 68 persons (four groups in total) attended the Latvian language course, of which 48 received a certificate of course completion. 

From 2 January 2018 until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that on 19 December the integration training course organised under the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II” will be completed by two groups that began the course in November of this year. Both groups included 24 persons under international protection from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Egypt, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Palestine.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. To enable families with children to participate in the course, babysitting is organised during the course.

Turkish and Arab language interpreters from Information Centre for Newcomers provided assistance in ensuring high quality communication with the participants of the training course.

Lecturers of the integration training course noted that participants were most interested in the subjects of housing and family reunification.

Under the project – along with the integration training course – Latvian language courses took place. The goal was to provide persons under international protection with knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as to develop main language acquiring skills. On 19 December this year the training course will be completed by the 10th group, which consisted of 15 persons, who have arrived in Latvia from Mongolia, Tajikistan, Cameroon, Sri Lanka, Iran, Belarus, Egypt, Bangladesh, and Azerbaijan.

The courses was available in Riga and in CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Zanda Rudene, the Support Measures for International Protection Persons II project manager, informs that two training groups, with a total of 24 international protection persons studying, will start an integration training course about Latvia at the end of November. She notes that persons from Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Egypt, Iraq, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Palestine study in these groups.

Both groups start training on 29 November with expected closing on 10 December. Interpreters from the Information Centre for Newcomers help to ensure good communication with the members of the training groups.

In October, the integration training course was completed by Group 14. From 3 October to 15 October, 14 international protection persons from Azerbaijan (5), Tajikistan (4), Iraq (1), Cameroon (1), Sri Lanka (1), Mongolia (1) and Bangladesh (1) studied in the group.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia.

"The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II" project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

The 14^th group stared and completed the integration training course about Latvia organised within the scope of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II” in October. From 3 to 15 October, 14 persons under international protection from Azerbaijan (5), Tajikistan (4), Iraq (1), Cameroon (1) Sri Lanka (1), Mongolia (1) and Bangladesh (1) were trained.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia.

The 14^th training group was most interested in topics like housing and travel/ accommodation in EU countries. 

“The course was completed and certificates were issued on 15 October. On 18 October the entire training group went for a trip to the Laima Chocolate Museum, which is the largest museum of chocolate in the Baltic countries”, the project manager Zanda Rudene tells. “The trainees accompanied by a guide had the opportunity to enjoy many tasty adventures, including to make their own chocolate in a special workshop.

The project manager informs that in the middle of October the course of Latvian language was started within the scope of the project in the Centre for Accommodation of Asylum Seekers Mucenieki. The purpose of the course is to enable persons under international protection to get knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as develops main language skills: reading, speaking, writing, listening and use of grammar. The course of Latvian language is available to persons under international protection in Riga and CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

"The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II" project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that training groups 8 and 9 complete the training course of Latvian in September. In both groups persons under international protection from Nigeria (9), Azerbaijan (5), Ukraine (6), Cuba (2), Russia (2), Mongolia (2), Syria (1) and Moldova (1) learned Latvian for two months.

“Training group 8 consisted of trainees with knowledge of Russian. The group included also members of one family, who not only helped each other, but also supervised doing of homework. This group also included persons, who have not completed the course, because they were expelled from the country”, Zanda Rudene, the head of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”, informs.

“Group 9 was characterised by the fact that people from one country, who spoke one language, learned Latvian in that group. Compared to other groups, this group was very interested and also worked independently. At the beginning of the course pronunciation was the most difficult aspect, the improvement of which still needs time. The group was very active, sociable, willingly involved in role plays. The trainees attempted to use the learned phases in daily conversations with project staff, as well as in their daily life – with the population of our country”.

Course of Latvian enables to get knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as develops main language skills: reading, speaking, writing, listening and use of grammar. Training of each group lasts three months on average, two to three classes per week, the duration of one class is 135 minutes 3 x 45 minutes). At the end of the course a certificate on listening of the course is issued. The courses are available in Riga and in CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

From 2 January 2018 until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

SIA (limited liability company) “Weitner” has performed satisfaction survey of the participants of training courses for persons under international protection to provide feedback on Latvian language courses and the integration training course about Latvia implemented under the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”. This is the second interim survey report of the project and it encompasses the period from 1 January 2019 until 30 June 2019. Based on the survey work assignment SIA “Weitner” implemented the survey in the form of group discussions and prepared reports containing conclusions and proposals, which can be used in the future to improve training courses and training programmes implemented by the society “Shelter “Safe House””.

The report on the survey results concludes that participants of Latvian language courses surveyed during the survey period all in all are satisfied with the location, the process of Latvian language courses, as well as the frequency of classes, contents of the courses and the quality of teaching. Asylum seekers, who live at CAS “Mucenieki” for a considerable time already, would be interested to be able to employ their time more actively and study for a longer period to enhance their knowledge and avoid forgetting what they have learned previously.

The surveyed participants of the integration training course on Latvia are generally satisfied with the fact that training takes place outside CAS “Mucenieki”. Participants of integration training are mostly recent arrivals in Latvia and are glad about every opportunity to see more of Riga. The trainees are very satisfied with the contents of the course and the way it is taught. They are happy with the covered topics, all of which are interesting and useful, in their opinion. Participants of the training consider especially useful topics dealing with asylum seeking, employment, health and education. The possibility to ask questions at any time is regarded positively and the group uses it actively. The surveyed participants of the training value positively also the fact that classes are translated, because the provided information is crucial to them. The work of interpreters is especially appreciated by those participants of the training, whose knowledge of other intermediary languages is weak or if information about the situation in Latvia is not available in their mother tongue. Observations made by SIA “Weitner” indicate that the way of presenting information during classes has improved compared to the previous half-year.

From 2 January 2018 until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

The course of Latvian language learning taking place within the framework of the project “Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II” in July is continued by the seventh group in which since May 23 are studying persons under international protection from seven countries. Project manager Zanda Rudene notes that the group includes representatives of the countries which speak various languages, so the teacher of the Latvian language has to be very creative, and the participants of the group have to be quick-witted for all to be able to understand each other. “The teacher uses various methods and means to teach the language better, the students like it. The group is active, willingly participates, and the participants of the study course themselves are helpful towards their group mates”.  

Evaluating the success of her students, the teacher of the Latvian language Lolita Zilberte says that success of each group is proportional to the invested work. "It should be noted that Latvian is learned by people from various countries, and not always is there an intermediary language. The students happily learn the topics which are useful in their practical life. Participants of the learning very gladly participate in role play, so they can better learn the new vocabulary. A favourable attitude reigns in classes; they are used to praise their group mates.” She notes that the knowledge level of the language is very low at first because the people have recently arrived and almost nowhere have heard the Latvian language before. “Each person comes with their learning experience, with their attitude towards work, with their behavioural culture and much else. Yet they all are united by one purpose – a desire to learn the Latvian. The main aspect impacting the result the interest shown by each student. If the goal is set to remain in Latvia, these students learn the first knowledge faster and more successfully.” Ms Zilberte underlines that the best result is achieved by families, as well as people who have made friends. Sometimes the students use electronic study aids as well for a more successful learning of the language, as well as by sharing their study experience with their relatives and friends who are in other countries. “To each teacher the words of a student: Thank you for the class! We really liked it! We love Latvia! - is a true incentive to forget all difficulties and provides an inspiration to teach, look for new tasks and learning approach to each individually.”

It is planned that as of July 16 a new group will begin the course of the Latvian language.

In order to enable to get knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as develops main language skills, the course of Latvian is implemented within the scope of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”. The courses are available in Riga and in CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

From January 2018 to this moment Latvian language courses have been attended by 92 persons (in six groups) all in all, 70 of these people have been issued a certificate on completion of the courses.  There were persons from 26 countries among the participants of Latvian language courses.

Until June this year nine groups — 142 persons in total — have taken the integration training course about Latvia. 122 participants were issued certificates confirming that they have completed the course. Persons under international protection from 28 countries were among the participants. Communication with the participants of training groups was ensured by skilled interpreters or speakers of Dari, Turkish, Tigrinya, Arabic, Urdu, Georgian, French, Bengali, Spanish, Tamil languages. This service is provided by the “Information Centre for Newcomers”. English and Russian were used as intermediary languages.

Ms Rudene points out that currently an interpreter or an expert of Mongolian is actively searched for the tenth integration study course group to begin their studies. This group would include persons under international protection from Mongolia.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Since 2 January 2018 society “Shelter “Safe House”” is implementing the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II” aimed at inclusion of persons under international protection into society by providing training courses and tailored information on their rights and responsibilities in various areas of life. The contents of the training course are tailored to the needs of persons, who have recently arrived in Latvia and are finding their way around.

Until June this year nine groups — 142 persons in total — have taken the integration training course about Latvia. 122 participants were issued certificates confirming that they have completed the course. Persons under international protection from 28 countries were among the participants. Communication with the participants of training groups was ensured by skilled interpreters or speakers of Dari, Turkish, Tigrinya, Arabic, Urdu, Georgian, French, Bengali, Spanish, Tamil languages. This service is provided by the “Information Centre for Newcomers”. English and Russian were used as intermediary languages.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. Childcare was organised during the training to enable families with children to participate. 

In order to enable to get knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as develops main language skills, the course of Latvian is implemented within the scope of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”. The courses are available in Riga and in CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

From January 2018 to this moment Latvian language courses have been attended by 92 persons (in six groups) all in all, 70 of these people have been issued a certificate on completion of the courses.  There were persons from 26 countries among the participants of Latvian language courses.

Availability of information about life in Latvia to persons under international protection is promoted by providing the project`s target group with access to the  mobile application “First Steps in Latvia” developed by the society “Shelter “Safe House””. It can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play and App Store. The application is available in Latvian, English, Russian, French, Arabic, Dari.

SIA (limited liability company) „Weitner” has launched a satisfaction survey of the participants of the second training course  to provide feedback for improvement of training courses and programmes. It is planned that the survey will be finished until July this year. Such surveys will be conducted three times during implementation of the project.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

The Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that in May the integration training course was started and completed by the ninth training group, which included 14 persons under international protection from Cuba, Turkey, China, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

The integration training course was started on May 13 and lasted until May 22.  The course attendees were most interested in the tax system, accessibility of medicine and housing. Translators with knowledge of Spanish and Turkish from the Information Centre for Newcomers ensured high quality communication with participants of the course.

The project manager Z.Rudene indicates that on May 31 attendees of the integration course along with creative workshops in the Chocolate Museum “Laima” received certificates for having listened to the course.

At the same time, the course of Latvian for the seventh group of course attendees was started on May 23 in parallel to the integration training course. “We are planning to train this group until the end of June ensuring learning of language three times per week”, tells Z.Rudene. At present, the group includes 14 persons under international protection.

The project manager informs that the second evaluation of satisfaction of course attendees was also started. It is planned that it will be prepared by the end of June. The evaluation is performed in the form of group discussions and, by analysing the information received a report with conclusions and/or proposals is prepared, which will be further used for the improvement of training courses and training programmes. Overall, such evaluation is planned to be carried out three times during the implementation of the project.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

In order to foster the availability of information about life in Latvia to persons under international protection, last year the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” developed a mobile application “First steps in Latvia” within the scope of the project. Until now it has been available in Latvian, English, French, Arabic and Dari. “Taking into account that at present part of persons under international protection, who learn the integration training course and Latvian with us within the project, are Russian-speaking persons, we have made the mobile application available also to this audience”, indicated the project manager Zanda Rudene.

The mobile application provides the persons under international protection with the opportunity to get answers to frequently asked questions about life in Latvia. “It also partially includes information from the website developed by the Society www.beglis.lv on the most topical questions for the target group and answers to them,” explains Z.Rudene. “We are planning to continue working on the improvement of the application and the version in Russian is now being tested by participants of our training groups.” She informs that visual information (a video) has been prepared for the application, with the help of which participants of training courses may obtain skills in using this tool and obtain necessary information. 

“First steps in Latvia” are available in Google Play and App Store for free.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

The Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that on March 20 the integration training course was started and on March 29 was completed by the eighth group, which included 18 persons under international protection from eight countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Russia, Iraq, Lebanon, Sri-Lanka, Uzbekistan. The project leader Z.Rudene indicates that the training group includes persons under international protection, who are accommodated in CAS “Mucenieki”, as well as persons living outside it – independently.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. 

In order to enable to get knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as develops main language skills, the course of Latvian is implemented within the scope of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”. On March 12, members of the training group passed a test of their knowledge – a diagnostic work for the lowest language level, which included listening, reading and writing skills. L.Zilberte, the teacher of Latvian, informs that those 11 course listeners, who received certificates for the course, may continue learning Latvian at the next level.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

In order to foster the inclusion of persons under international protection (refugees, asylum seekers and persons under subsidiary protection) into the Latvian society, the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” organises special training courses with adapted information for persons, who have recently come and started their life in Latvia.

You are welcome to use the following free courses:

• Integration training course about Latvia

Possibility to gain knowledge of Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment opportunities, education system and education opportunities, available leisure activities, healthcare system, social security network and social support system in Latvia.

During the training course each group has two classes per week on average – each class consists of four 45-minute parts (180 minutes in total), the entire course includes at least five classes. At the end of the course a certificate on listening of the course is issued.

To enable families with children to participate in the course, babysitting is organised during the course. Translators with knowledge of different languages from the Information Centre for Newcomers ensure high quality communication with participants of the courses.

• Course of Latvian

Enables to get knowledge and skills of Latvian necessary for work and everyday life, as well as develops main language skills: reading, speaking, writing, listening and use of grammar.

Training of each group lasts three months on average, two to three classes per week, the duration of one class is 135 minutes (3 x 45 minutes). At the end of the course a certificate on listening of the course is issued.

The courses are available in Riga and in CAS Mucenieki (for the persons accommodated there).

To get more information and to apply for the course call: (+371) 25434917.

The courses are implemented within the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II”. From 2 January 2018 to 30 June 2020 the project is implemented by the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” with support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the co-funding of the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Since 2 January 2018 the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” has been implementing the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection”, the purpose of which is to promote the inclusion of persons under international protection in the society by providing training courses and adapted information about rights and duties in different areas of life. In order to ensure feedback for the improvement of training courses and training programmes, SIA “Weitner” has prepared a satisfaction evaluation of the training courses by their participants about the activities implemented within the project last year, in 2018.

It has been concluded that a positive impact of the activities within the project is observed in the long term – the direct target group has been informed about the most important matters of starting life in Latvia. The satisfaction evaluation of participants of the training courses for persons under international protection was organised in the form of group discussions, preparing a report with conclusions and proposals.

It has been concluded in the evaluation that the participation of the training course for learning Latvian are generally satisfied with the course. It was indicated that the persons under international protection, who are accommodated in CAS “Mucenieki”, would be interested to use their time more actively and to learn Latvian longer. At the same time, participants of the course emphasise that the benefit from the training is high, taking into account that the courses started without preliminary knowledge, but after their conclusion they may communicate in shops or also communicate with employees of CAS “Mucenieki”. In addition to knowledge, training courses for learning Latvian also provide persons under international protection with social benefits – reduce tension, organise their day, create additional motivation. The groups with almost equal levels of language and preparedness has better learning outcomes.

Overall, 71 persons visited courses of Latvian last year, 60 of which have received certificates about completion of the course. 14 persons from 6 different countries attended the training within one group on average. The attendees of the course of Latvian were from 22 countries: Russia – 17, Iraq – 13, Eritrea – 7, Egypt – 6, Georgia – 4, Azerbaijan – 3, Turkey – 3, Bangladesh – 3, Afghanistan – 2, Belarus – 1, Gaza – 1, Israel – 1, Cameroon – 1, Kazakhstan – 1, Kyrgyzstan – 1, Congo – 1, Libya – 1, Nigeria – 1, Pakistan – 1, Syria – 1, Sudan – 1, Ukraine – 1. 

When evaluating the scope and topics of the integration training course on Latvia, it has been concluded that they are sufficient to provide a general insight into the most important matters related to life in Latvia. It has been concluded that this target group was generally satisfied with the training content, process and quality. The organisation of the integration training course outside the premises of CAS “Mucenieki” – in the centre of Riga, is an additional motivating factor to participate in the training.

Six groups (90 persons) listened to the integration training course about Latvia last year, 77 of whom were issued certificates about listening to the course. One group included 15 participants on average. Most (79%) of course participants were adults, also 19 children participated in the training. Overall the course attendees included persons under international protection from 22 countries: Russia – 20, Iraq – 14, Azerbaijan – 8, Egypt – 8, Eritrea – 7, Georgia – 7, Afghanistan – 5, Turkey – 4, Uzbekistan – 4, Georgia – 4, Bangladesh – 2, Pakistan – 2, Syria – 2, Gaza – 1, Cameroon – 1, Kazakhstan – 1, Kyrgyzstan – 1, Congo – 1, Libya – 1, Nigeria – 1, Sudan – 1, Tajikistan – 1, Ukraine – 1.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia.  In order to ensure high quality communication with participants of the training groups, translators and language specialists with knowledge of Dari, Turkish, Tigrinya, Arabic, Urdu, Georgian, French, Bengali, Spanish, Tamil were invited from the Information Centre for Newcomers. English and Russian were used as intermediate languages.

Last year, the Society “Shelter “Safe House”” developed a mobile application about life in Latvia “First steps in Latvia”. The app is available in Google Play and App Store in Latvian, English, French, Dari and Arabic for free. It has been concluded in the evaluation by SIA “Weitner” that the mobile app is a good tool, recommending to integrate the app more in the training course. A recommendation has been provided to continue to create easy to find and qualitative information content on the internet, which is an important source of information for persons under international protection. The planned development of the app in Russia this year is evaluated positively.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

The Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that on December 11 the training course of Latvian has completed for the fifth group, where persons under international protection were learning. Visiting classes three days a week, the group was intensively learning basic knowledge for the use of Latvian language. At the end of the course, listeners from the group passed a test of their knowledge, which included listening, reading, wiring and speaking tasks. 14 persons from Russia (3), Nigeria (1), Kazakhstan (1), Bangladesh (1), Iraq (1), Egypt (1), Palestine (1), Libya (1) and Cameroon (1) received certificates on completion of the course.

The teacher of Latvian Lolita Zilberte tells that the knowledge of Latvian of the group at the initial stage of classes was very weak, because the people have just arrived and haven’t heard Latvian in their daily life. “Listeners generally had a positive attitude to the training and willingly helped each other. When they started studies, their knowledge of Latvian according to the language skills levels defined in Latvia was Pre-A1 level (level 0). If we compare them with previous training groups, this group was very different from the point of view of learning experience – different age, education level, which, of course, influenced the training process”.

She tells that the listeners were very interested not only in learning, but also in life in Latvia, its history, culture and holidays. “The group was very interested in the content of the programme, in particular, the opportunity to pass a test of language skills to find as job as soon as possible. The most interesting topic for this groups was “Health. Medical services”.  Listeners actively participated in the situational language games organised in the class, diligently did homework, worked individually and in pairs. Having completed this course of Latvian, these persons under international protection can now successfully continue learning Latvian at level A1”.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

The project manager Zanda Rudene informs that on November 11 participants of the training group were provided with the possibility to participate in activities of the Day of Lāčplēsis. They visited the National History Museum of Latvia, where the persons under international protection got new insights into our country, learned the history, values and traditions of Latvia. “In order to jointly unite in patriotic feelings, each of participants of the group had the opportunity to pin symbols of our country to their jackets, and these people did this gladly. Afterwards, the group participated in a joint quiz and learned many patriotic songs of Latvian soldiers. At the end of the day, we went together to the November 11 Embankment and lit candles to honour bravery and memory of Latvian soldiers”. 

The fifth training group, which started learning on October 23, is learning the course of Latvian language in November. Visiting classes three days a week, the group is intensively learning basic knowledge for the use of Latvian language. It is planned that this group will complete the course of Latvian on December 11.

Z.Rudene points out that a satisfaction survey for participants of the training courses has started for the purposes of ensuring feedback for the improvement of training courses and education programmes. 

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

The Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that from 2 January to 28 September activities were implemented within the scope of the project “Support Activities for Persons Under International Protection II” for the purposes of promoting the inclusion of persons under international protection in the Latvian society.

Within nine months five groups have completed the integration training course – 73 persons in total from 17 countries: Russia (16), Azerbaijan (8), Eritrea (7), Afghanistan (5), Turkey (4), Georgia (3), Syria (2), Sudan (1), Bangladesh (1), Pakistan (2), Tajikistan (1), Kyrgyzstan (1), Congo (1), Uzbekistan (4), Egypt (3), Iraq (13), Ukraine (1). Certificates on listening of the integration course have been issued to 69 persons. Lectors indicate that the course listeners were most interested in migration, employment, education and healthcare matters. It is known that that sixth group will start the integration training course of 29 October.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. Childcare was organised during the training to enable families with children to participate. Translators from seven languages and language specialists with knowledge of Turkish, Dari, Arabic, Tigrinya, Georgian, Kurdish and Urdu ensured qualitative communication with members of the training groups.

To provide persons under international protection with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills in the Latvian language needed for work and in everyday life, while also developing the major language skills: reading skills, speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and grammar use, in the frameworks of the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project the Latvian language course began. By the end of September, it was attended by 54 persons subject to international protection, 46 of which have received certificates about completion of the course. The teacher of Latvian Lolita Zilberte indicates that the course listeners generally had a positive attitude to the training and willingly helped each other. “Course listeners were very active during classes – willingly participated in situational language games, diligently did homework, learned something individually in addition, using the online training tools developed by the Latvian Language Agency. If we compare training groups – they were very different from the point of view of learning experience, namely, different age, education level, which generally influenced the training process”.

Four groups have mastered the course of Latvian with participation of 54 persons from 17 countries: Eritrea (7), Sudan (1), Congo ( 1), Bangladesh (1), Afghanistan (2), Russia (13), Azerbaijan ( 3), Georgia (3), Israel (1), Kyrgyzstan (1), Ukraine (1), Belarus (1), Egypt (2), Iraq (12), Pakistan (1), Syria (1), Turkey (3). The fifth training group started the course of Latvian on 23 October.

As part of the project a mobile application "First Steps in Latvia" has been developed to ensure availability of information about the life in Latvia to the target group. A free download of the test version of the application is available at Google Play and App Store. To make it easier for the target group of the project to find answers to frequently asked questions about the life in Latvia, information from the questions and answers section published on www.beglis.lv website is included in the mobile application. The application is available in Latvian, English, French, Arabic and Dari. The Society indicates that at present work is ongoing on the improvement of the application content, and it is tested by the project target group. A video on practical use of the application was made – a video manual, which is shown to the target group, so that they know how to use the mobile application, when they start the course, and get additional information.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

At the end of August of this year the third group of students consisting of 11 individuals from Russia (4), Turkey (3), Georgia (2), Ukraine (1) and Egypt (1) took the test for the lowest level of language proficiency under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project. The group began their studies on 11 July of this year.

To gain an insight into implementation of Latvian language courses and the results achieved, we asked a Latvian teacher Lolita Zilberte (Lolita Zilberte) to tell us about the learning process.

To the question about methods used for the diagnostic test Lolita Zilberte replied that the test included listening, reading, writing and speaking tasks.

What was the language proficiency level of the group based on the approved language proficiency levels in Latvia from A1 to C2?

- The participants had recently arrived in Latvia and had not yet been exposed to Latvian speaking environment on a daily basis. At the same time considering the fact that most participants knew Russian, only two students from Turkey and Georgia, who knew neither English, nor Russian, had some difficulties as a result. All in all the students were very optimistic and enthusiastic about learning and gladly helped each other. According to the approved language proficiency levels in Latvia the level of Latvian language knowledge of students was at Pre A1 Level (0 level).

Would you tell us, how homogeneous was the group of students from the point of view of language proficiency?

- I have to say that students in the group had varied learning experience as a result of their being in different age groups, level of education, all of which had an impact on the learning process.

Which of the four language skills were best developed in case of participants of the course?

- Reading skills were best developed.

Could you, please, tell about the level of interest in the contents of the programme displayed by the participants? Which topics interested the students most?

- The participants showed great interest in learning and about life in Latvia, its history, culture and holidays. The group was very interested in the contents of the programme, they especially inquired into possibilities to take the state language examination later on that would enable them to find work as soon as possible, as they told. This group found the topic "Health. Medical Services" most engaging. The students participated in role-playing games, which were a part of the learning process, very actively, because they viewed them as practical and applicable in their daily lives in the future.

How would you appraise the attitude of the participants toward the studies?

- I feel most gratified by the positive attitude of students toward their studies. Students were active during lessons, took part in situational language games in the classroom willingly, were diligent in preparing their homework and eager to help each other. I also know that students engaged in additional individual studies using the learning material prepared by the Latvian Language Agency on the Internet.

From 2 January of this year to this moment three groups or 41 persons under international protection have completed the Latvian language course under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project.

Until 30 June 2020 Latvian language course will be provided to 250 representatives of the target group under the project according to plans. The aim of the activity is to ensure that persons under international protection attain Latvian language proficiency needed for work and in everyday life, and develop the following basic language skills: reading, speaking, writing, listening and the use of grammar.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

NGO “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that in August the integration training course organized under the project Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II was completed by two groups, in which in total 28 persons under international protection from six countries participated.

The fourth group, which started the integration training course on July 27, completed the training on August 10. There were 14 people in this group including 8 adults and 6 children from Russia (7), Egypt (3), Uzbekistan (3) and Ukraine (1).

On August 13, the fifth group completed the training, which started the integration training course at the end of July – July 31. There were 14 people in the course – 10 adults and 4 children – from Iraq (13) and Pakistan (1).

“The training course participants were so interested in the content of the lectures that all the lectures were attended 100%. According to their opinion, the lectures on employment, education, social and medical services were the most useful from the entire information received”, says Project Manager Zanda Rudene. The new mobile application “First Steps inLatvia” was also presented to both groups, the test version of which is currently downloadable free of charge in Google Play and App Stores. “The participants and the lecturers had a possibility to get acquainted with the application video tutorial and to download it on their mobile phones, which they also actively did.”

Both groups received their certificates at the closing event which was held on August 14 in the “Laima”Chocolate Museum. In total 27 certificates were issued – 13 for the first group, and 14 for the second one.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. Childcare was organised during the training to enable families with children to participate. Communication with the trainees was ensured by interpreters and speakers of languages.

In order to provide the possibility for the persons under international protection to acquire the knowledge and skills of the Latvian language necessary for the work and social life, while developing the main language skills – reading, speaking, writing, listening and the use of grammar, the Latvian language course is also organized within the framework of the project.

Z.Rudene points out that on August 23, within the framework of the project, certificates of the Latvian language course were received already by the third group, which consisted of 11 people from Russia (4), Turkey (3), Georgia (2), Ukraine (1) and Egypt (1). This group started the training course on July 11.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

Society “Shelter “Safe House”” informs that from 2 January to 30 June of this year activities were implemented to promote inclusion of persons under international protection in the Latvian society under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project.

In total, three groups have graduated from integration courses – 45 persons (9 women, 36 men) from 14 countries: Russia (9), Azerbaijan (8), Eritrea (7), Afghanistan (5), Turkey (4), Georgia (3), Syria (2), Sudan (1), Bangladesh (1), Pakistan (1), Tajikistan (1), Kyrgyzstan (1), Congo (1), Uzbekistan (1).

There were 7 persons accepted by Latvia under the European Union (EU) Resettlement Scheme and 38 persons, who had crossed the Latvian border independently, among the participants of the training courses. 43 participants of the courses had the status of asylum seeker, but 2 persons were under subsidiary protection.

Integration courses provide an opportunity to their participants to acquire knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment options, education system and opportunities to obtain education. Participants can also learn about spending their leisure time, the health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. Childcare was organised during the training to enable families with children to participate. Communication with the trainees was ensured by seven interpreters and speakers of Turkish, Dari, Arabic, Tigrinya, Georgian and Urdu languages.

The project manager Zanda Rudene (Zanda Rudene) points out that the participants were for the most part interested in health care, employment, including employment opportunities in Latvia. "There were families with children among the trainees, who had numerous questions related to education of children – general as well as informal education." 

28 persons under international protection took also the Latvian language course under the project. The participants of the training were given an opportunity to attend Latvian language courses so that they would be able to communicate, when solving various everyday problems or obtaining documents from the local or public authorities.

The training was organized in two groups and persons from 11 countries participated in it: Eritrea (7), Sudan (1), Congo (1), Bangladesh (1), Afghanistan (1), Russia (10), Azerbaijan (3), Georgia (1), Israel (1), Kyrgyzstan (1), Ukraine (1). All in all 21 person under International protection received a certificate about completion of the Latvian language course.

"Participants of the courses displayed great interest in the contents of the programme. Participants showed great interest in learning and about life in Latvia, its history, culture and traditions. They inquired eagerly into possibilities to take the state language examination so that they could find work as soon as possible afterwards. The positive attitude of language students during the learning process was satisfying. They were very active during the lessons, took part in situational language games in the classroom gladly and were diligent in preparing their homework – individually or in pairs," emphasises the Latvian teacher Lolita Zilberte (Lolita Zilberte).

As part of the project a mobile application "First Steps in Latvia" has been developed to ensure availability of information about the life in Latvia to the target group. A free download of the test version of the application is available at Google Play and App Store. To make it easier for the target group of the project to find answers to frequently asked questions about the life in Latvia, information from the questions and answers section published on www.beglis.lv website is included in the mobile application. The application is available in Latvian, English, French, Arabic and Dari. Representatives of the society point out that presently work on the content of the application is still in progress, and its testing will be offered to the target group of the project first.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. 

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

In order to provide for persons under international protection an opportunity to acquire Latvian language knowledge and skills needed for work and in everyday life, and develop the main competences required for learning a language, such as reading, speaking, writing, listening and use of grammar, Latvian language courses were organised for two groups under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project from March to May of this year at the Accommodation Centre for Asylum Seekers “Mucenieki”. Participants of the courses took the final test on 24 May, but on 31 May 21 person under international protection from 11 countries – Eritrea, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Israel, Congo, Sudan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Georgia – received their certificates about completion of the course.

"The level of language knowledge of the first group, which consisted of 10 persons from Eritrea, was homogeneous at the beginning of the training, since most of the trainees from Eritrea had arrived simultaneously. Only a couple of participants had been in Latvia for some time and had learned some words in Latvian, for example, "Good day!", "My name is..." etc. Based on the approved language proficiency levels the overall level of Latvian language knowledge in this group was at Pre A1 Level," explains Latvian language teacher Lolita Zilberte (Lolita Zilberte).  She tells that the group displayed great interest in the contents of the programme. "Students were especially interested in the topic "Shopping", because they were able to use the acquired knowledge in their everyday life immediately. The positive attitude of students during the learning process was satisfying. They were active during the lessons, took part in situational language games in the classroom gladly and were diligent in preparing their homework – individually or in pairs."

The second group consisted of 11 persons from Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Israel, Congo, Sudan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan and Georgia.

"The level of language proficiency varied considerably at the beginning of lessons, because the group started learning in March 2018, but some its participants resided at "Mucenieki" since the end of 2017. As a result they had some prior knowledge of Latvian language. Based on the approved language proficiency levels the overall level of Latvian language knowledge of this group was at Pre A1 Level (0 level). It should be mentioned that students in this group did not only have various levels of language proficiency, they were also in different age groups and had different levels of education, which also influenced the learning process," describes L.Zilberte the second group. "All in all the attitude toward studies was very positive in this group. Participants showed great interest in learning and about life in Latvia, its history, culture and traditions. The group was very interested in the contents of the programme, they especially inquired into possibilities to take the state language examination later on that would enable them to find work as soon as possible. This group found the topic "Place of Residence and Finding One`s Way in the City" especially interesting."

On 24 May at the end of the course the students took a diagnostic test to establish their proficiency level, which included listening, reading, writing and speaking tasks.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. 

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

“This group was mostly interested in and asked most of the questions about the fields of healthcare, employment, including job opportunities in Latvia, as well as educational issues – perspectives, recognition of an acquired education diploma,” Z. Rudene says. “During the course, the participants admitted that, in their opinion, the option to leave the territory of the Accommodation Centre for Asylum Seekers (ACAS) “Mucenieki” and to get to know Riga and the people of Latvia together with their family is very important for the integration process.” Till now, in March and April, lectures were organized at the ACAS “Mucenieki”, while in May, the educational course about Latvia was organized in the centre of Riga – in the premises of “Shelter “Safe House””.

“The last event of the educational course and the presentation of certificates that will take place on May 31 is planned as a pleasant surprise when the entire group will go on a short trip on the board of “Rebeka” along the Riga channel. During this event, every student will not only have the opportunity to see the historical centre of Riga, but also find out interesting information from the tour guide,” Z. Rudene emphasizes.

Overall this year from March to May ducational course was completed by 45 persons in need of international protection from Eritrea, Pakistan, Syria, Bangladesh, Sudan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Afghanistan, Kirgizstan, Kongo, Tajikistan, Turkey, Georgia and Uzbekistan. 

Within the framework of the integration training course, persons under international protection can acquire knowledge about the state of Latvia, state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, inclusion in society, principles of non-discrimination, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment opportunities, education system and educational opportunities. Participants also can explore leisure opportunities, health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. In order to have families with children involved in the classes, babysitting was also organized. Quality communication with groups is ensured by various translators or language experts.

To provide persons under international protection with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills in the Latvian language needed for work and in everyday life, while also developing the major language skills: reading skills, speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and grammar use, in the frameworks of the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project the Latvian language course began in March, which is currently provided for two study groups. Latvian language course will finish on May 31^st and 21 persons in need of international protection from 11 countries – Eritrea, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Russia, Israel, Kongo, Sudan, Tajikistan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Georgia will receive the certificate of completion.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. 

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

Within the framework of the integration training course, persons under international protection can acquire knowledge about the state of Latvia, state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia, inclusion in society, principles of non-discrimination, communication, religious and cultural differences, housing market, employment opportunities, education system and educational opportunities, leisure opportunities, health care system, social security network and social assistance system in Latvia. In order to have families with children involved in the classes, babysitting was also organized.

The first group completed the integration course launched in March at the beginning of April. 15 people from Latvia, Azerbaijan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan were trained. The greatest interest in this study group was about job opportunities in various occupations. Considering that the courses were also attended by families with children, there were many issues related to the education of children - both general and interest education. After having completed the course and received certificates for the acquired knowledge, the course participants positively assessed the information obtained during the training and emphasized that it was practical and would be very useful in the future.

For the second study group, the five-lesson cycle on Latvia was implemented in April. This group consisted of 15 persons under international protection from Eritrea, Pakistan, Syria, Bangladesh, Sudan, Azerbaijan and Russia.

"Upon receipt of certificates of completion of the integration course, clients from Bangladesh and Eritrea expressed gratitude to the project team and acknowledged that it was very useful for them to learn and understand the Latvian education and health system from the lecturers," Project Manager Zanda Rudene said. "During the lectures on respecting the principle of non-discrimination in Latvia, clients acknowledged that they have not yet experienced discrimination from the Latvian society or some particular attention because of their skin colour and feel safe on the street. The course participants emphasized that the integration course was a great support to get to know Latvia." She was pleased that the attendance rate of the course was 100%, indicating the interest of the participants and the relevance of the course.

Quality communication with both groups was provided by Arabic, Thai, Urdu, Dari and Turkish translators or language experts.

To provide persons under international protection with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills in the Latvian language needed for work and in everyday life, while also developing the major language skills: reading skills, speaking skills, writing skills, listening skills and grammar use, in the frameworks of the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project the Latvian language course began in March, which is currently provided for two study groups. In total, 25 persons under international protection from 11 countries have studied the Latvian language: from Eritrea (7), Afghanistan (2), Azerbaijan (5), Russia (4), Israel (1), Congo (1), Sudan (1), Tajikistan (1), Belarus (1), Uzbekistan (1), Georgia (1). It is planned that the Latvian language training for both groups will last until June of this year.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. 

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

Presently Latvian language courses are held for two groups, which consist of 25 persons under international protection from 11 countries — Eritrea (7), Afghanistan (2), Azerbaijan (5), Russia (4), Israel (1), Congo (1), Sudan (1), Tajikistan (1), Belarus (1), Uzbekistan (1), Georgia (1). Latvian language courses are scheduled to last from three to five months in each group, with two to three classes per week — one class lasts 135 minutes (3 x 45 minutes). The aim of Latvian language courses is to ensure that persons under international protection attain language proficiency needed for work and in everyday life, and develop basic language skills: reading, speaking, writing, listening and the use of grammar.

15 persons under international protection from 7 countries — Azerbaijan (7), Afghanistan (2), Russia (2), Kyrgyzstan (1), Uzbekistan (1), Tajikistan (1), Congo (1)  — have begun their integration training course to acquire the knowledge and cultural orientation skills required for successful interaction with other members of Latvian society. Each class lasts 180 minutes (4x45 minutes). For the duration of courses each group has two classes per week on the average. Each course consists of at least five classes. Integration courses for persons under international protection provide them with knowledge about Latvia, its state system, history, culture and traditions, practical information about Latvia and services, information about integration into the society, non-discrimination principles, communication and religious differences, decision making, sense of time, housing market, employment facilities, education system and education acquisition opportunities, available leisure activities, healthcare system, social security network and social support system in Latvia.

Childcare is provided during the training to encourage families with children to participate.

Communication with the attendees of the training course is ensured by interpreters and speakers of different languages.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. The total budget for the project amounts to EUR 240 000. Period of implementation of the project: 2 January 2018 – 30 June 2020 Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

“In February, integration study course “Introductory Course about Latvia” was submitted for licensing. It is planned that the study programme for persons under international protection will include lessons about how various systems operate in Latvia – labour market, education system, housing market, support system for refugees, and others.”

She points out that a Latvian language study programme is also being licensed within the framework of the project and Latvian language teachers will be involved who have experience in working with the target group of the project.

“Acquiring basic knowledge of Latvian language is an essential stimulus for promoting a more active social life. Considering that the groups will mostly consist of people of different nationalities who only speak their native language, the knowledge of Latvian could also serve as a means of mutual communication. We are currently planning to start the Latvian language course in March.”

Z. Rudene points out that work on the development of content for a mobile app about Latvia has also been commenced in February. The target group of the project will be able to use the app to get answers to frequently asked questions about life in Latvia.

It is planned to provide support to at least 500 persons under international protection (adults and children) under the project “Support Measures for Persons under International Protection II” from 2 January 2018 until 30 June 2020. The goal of the project is to promote the integration of persons under international protection into society by providing them with study courses and tailored information on rights and responsibilities in different areas of life.

Project “Support Measures for Persons under International Protection II” is implemented within the support of the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and is co-funded by the European Union. Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Saliņa, Multimedia Communication Specialist, tel. 22026355, email: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv

250 representatives of the target group will have an opportunity to attend Latvian language courses, which will help the attendees to learn Latvian and enable them to communicate in the process of solving various everyday problems or obtaining documents from the local or public authorities. Knowledge of Latvian will widen social contacts of the target group, as well as their involvement in society in general.

Persons under international protection will also be offered an integration training course intended to help its participants to acquire knowledge and cultural orientation skills required for successful interaction in Latvian society. An estimated number of 500 persons will be involved in the training course. To ensure qualitative communication with the attendees of the training course, interpreters and speakers of different languages will be involved for the entire duration of the project.

As part of the project a mobile application will be developed to ensure availability of information about the life in Latvia to the target group. The application will be available for free at Google Play and App Store. To make it easier for the target group of the project to find answers to frequently asked questions about the life in Latvia, information from the questions and answers section published on www.beglis.lv website will be included in the mobile application.

Until 30 June 2020 support under the Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project will be provided to 500 persons, among them adults, children, and illiterate asylum seekers.

The Support Actions for Persons under International Protection II project is implemented with the support from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and co-financed by the European Union. The total budget for the project amounts to EUR 240 000. Period of implementation of the project: 2 January 2018 – 30 June 2020 Grant Agreement No. PMIF/9/2017/2/01/

Information was prepared by: Rasa Salina (Rasa Saliņa), Multimedia Communications Specialist, phone 22026355, e-mail: rasa.salina@patverums-dm.lv