“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 31st 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