On 11-12 October 2025, a cohesion event for Ukrainian civilians was held by the Daugavpils University Society for Lifelong Learning, Culture and Science Communication “Park of Intellect” within the framework of the project “STRONG TOGETHER-4. СИЛЬНІ РАЗОМ-4”, ID No. 2025.LV/UKR_KO/018/L28.
Over the course of two days, Ukrainian civilians and Latvian citizens collaborated in non-formal activities and went on an excursion, learning about successful examples of small business development in Latgale and gaining ideas for starting their own small enterprises. This helped shape Ukrainian civilians’ understanding of social processes in Latvia, its values, and communication patterns.
On the first day of the cohesion event, the project participants travelled to the recreation complex “Lejasmalas” in Auleja Parish, Krāslava Municipality. The introductory remarks were given by Maija Burima, Chair of the Society Park of Intellect” and project manager, who informed the participants about the project’s goals and expected results, and introduced the programme of the cohesion event.
All participants were divided into four groups, in which representatives of the host community actively took part, helping to learn Latvian vocabulary and basic phrases, as well as supporting Ukrainians in the creative process.
During the workshop “Let’s Wrap a Gift!”, the participants had the opportunity to learn various original and environmentally friendly gift-wrapping techniques. They experimented with different materials – paper, fabric, ribbons, and natural elements, creating unique and well-considered wrappings. This workshop was valuable in showing how simple materials can be transformed into a personal and heartfelt gift that brings joy both to the creator and to others.
As part of the event, an intellectual game took place in which the participants had to answer questions about Latvia – its history, cultural heritage, notable people, and lesser-known facts. The game turned into an exciting and educational adventure that stimulated the participants’ curiosity and revealed many new, previously unknown aspects about Latvia.
Representatives of the host community also actively participated in the teams together with Ukrainian civilians, supporting the participants and sharing valuable information about Latvia.
In the movement workshop “Dance and Movement Therapy,” the participants were encouraged to express emotions through body movement, promoting both physical well-being and emotional balance. They learned basic elements of Latvian folk dance, discovering the joy of movement and the power of tradition. The session fostered physical activity, cultural exploration through dance, and a stronger sense of connection among the participants.
The participants also gained new experiences using VR glasses, which allowed them to immerse themselves in a virtual environment in an interactive way and to experience new sensations through the lens of technology, expanding the boundaries of ordinary reality and perception. The participants “rode an elevator,” “flew into space,” “experienced free fall,” and “met a herd of elephants.” After the activity, everyone was invited to describe their feelings about each VR experience in three words, and these words later served as the basis for a poem created by artificial intelligence, reflecting the participants’ emotions about their journey into virtual reality.
The second day of the event was dedicated to the experiences and success stories of small businesses in Latgale. The participants visited the Krāslava Crafts Centre, where woodworking master Aivars Andžāns and glass décor artist Elvīra Škutāne introduced them to their work and craftsmanship skills. Everyone had the opportunity to create a glass bird and a personalised wooden ornament. The participants gained creative experience and practical skills in craftsmanship, as well as the joy of taking home their own handmade creations as souvenirs.
The day continued with a visit to the Latvian horse-breeding and organic farm “Klajumi” in Kaplava Parish, Krāslava Municipality. Accompanied by the owners’ stories about the daily life of the horse farm and historical facts, the participants enjoyed a tour of the homestead. Afterwards, everyone had the opportunity to go horseback riding or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, enjoying the beauty of the Latgalian landscape and the interaction with the horses. This experience promoted not only physical activity and relaxation, but also emotional closeness with nature and animals.
The farm’s activities are closely connected with the preservation and promotion of Latgale’s culinary heritage. Ukrainian civilians had the opportunity to taste traditional Latgalian dishes, prepared with special care and hospitality. The project participants noted that the farm “Klajumi” is an example of how cultural and historical heritage can be combined with successful family entrepreneurship, passing this experience on to future generations.
At the end of the day, the participants went on an excursion to the Museum of Happiness in Indra. The museum’s exhibition combines the richness of local stories and traditions with various activities that allow visitors to explore the diversity of the concept of happiness through different senses – sight, hearing, smell, and taste. The participants learned about Indra’s cultural and historical heritage and the philosophy of happiness that has developed in this border region. During the excursion, they were not only able to listen to the stories but also to take part actively, experiencing various activities, including the symbolic breaking of dishes “for good luck,” which left a vivid and exciting impression. This visit became a warm and inspiring conclusion to the event’s programme, leaving the participants with bright emotions and prompting them to reflect on what happiness means to each person.
Over the course of two days, the project participants had the opportunity to become more familiar with the cultural characteristics of Latvia – especially those of Latgale, to develop their Latvian language skills, and to gain a deeper understanding of everyday life, values, and interpersonal traditions in Latvian society. Throughout the cohesion event, new contacts and opportunities for cooperation were formed between residents of Latvia and Ukraine. Participation in the cohesion event was appreciated as an excellent opportunity to get to know Latvian cultural traditions and values more closely, as well as to draw inspiration from successful examples of small entrepreneurship in order to develop and refine their own original ideas.
The participants of the event acknowledged that the experience was valuable and inspiring. Their feedback demonstrates how meaningful and useful this experience was:
“Wonderful, excellent, interesting, exciting.”
“Impressive – a feeling of warmth and care. Many thanks to the organisers for such an attitude towards the Ukrainian people.”
“It was incredible. I especially enjoyed the dancing and the quiz. I am very happy that I could attend and talk with everyone. I have never heard so much Latvian in two days. Many thanks to the organisers.”
“All the activities were excellently organised, interesting and entertaining.”
“I am very satisfied after the excursion, thank you very much.”
“These two days were truly special! 🙂 The atmosphere of warmth, support, and inspiration could be felt in everything – in the people, the conversations, the shared activities, and even in the small details. And a special thank you for your support for Ukraine – it is very meaningful to us!”
Many thanks to all participants for your active participation!
The event was organised within the framework of the project “STRONG TOGETHER-4. СИЛЬНІ РАЗОМ–4”, No. 2025.LV/UKR_KO/018/L28.
It is financially supported by the Society Integration Foundation from the state budget resources allocated by the Republic of Latvia.
The Daugavpils University Society for Lifelong Learning, Culture and Science Communication “Park of Intellect” is responsible for the content of the project activities.
