On 29-30 November 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.
At the end of November, Ukrainian civilians, together with residents of Latvia, took part in a variety of non-formal activities and went on educational thematic excursions. Participants learned about successful examples of small entrepreneurship in Latgale, gaining inspiration and practical ideas for developing their own initiatives. This experience provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in Latvia, its values, and the culture of interpersonal communication.
The first day of the cohesion event took place at the recreation complex “Lejasmalas,” located in Auleja Parish, Krāslava Municipality. At the beginning of the meeting, the Chair of the Board of the Society “Park of Intellect” and project manager, Maija Burima provided an insight into the project concept and presented the planned programme of activities.
The first day, guided by the theme “Working Together”, began with dividing the participants into four working groups. Representatives of the host community joined each group and actively took part in the activities, helping participants learn basic Latvian vocabulary and useful everyday phrases, as well as supporting them in creative tasks. This shared work promoted mutual understanding and encouraged language practice in an informal setting, creating a friendly and open atmosphere.
The participants had the opportunity to embark on an exciting virtual reality adventure. Using VR glasses, they experienced several dynamic and educational scenarios – riding a roller coaster, taking a virtual elevator to the rooftop to observe the panorama from a bird’s-eye view, and working in a virtual kitchen where they could prepare a virtual burger. These activities allowed participants to discover the possibilities offered by technology and to experience a range of emotions.
During the “Dance and Movement Therapy” session, the participants were invited to express their emotions through dance, allowing themselves to relax and regain inner balance. The session introduced them to basic elements of Latvian folk dance, revealing how much joy and energy simple rhythmic movements can bring. This activity delighted everyone – children, young people, and adults alike, and created a warm and unifying atmosphere sparking interest in traditional culture.
During the workshop “Let’s Wrap a Gift!”, the participants explored different ways of preparing and presenting gifts while also considering the environment and sustainability. They worked with various materials – paper, fabric, ribbons, natural elements, and created unique, handmade gift wrappings. The session encouraged imagination and a practical approach, allowing each participant to create personalised gifts that bring joy both to themselves and to those who will receive them.
Alongside the physical and practical activities, the participants were offered an intellectual challenge – a game in which they tested their knowledge of Latvian history, cultural heritage, notable figures, and lesser-known facts. The game turned into an exciting and educational adventure during which the participants learned new aspects of Latvia’s past and present. Representatives of the local community actively participated in the teams together with Ukrainian civilians, providing support and sharing their knowledge of local traditions and history.
On the second day of the event, Ukrainian civilians learned about the experiences and success stories of small entrepreneurs in Latgale. First, they visited the Krāslava Crafts Centre, where they met the woodworking master Aivars Andžāns and the glass décor artist Elvīra Škutāne. The masters provided insight into their daily work, demonstrating their craftsmanship and creative processes. Visitors had the opportunity to try their hand at crafts creating a colourful glass star symbol “Auseklis” and a wooden décor piece with a self-designed pattern, which they could take with them as unique souvenirs.
Later in the day, the participants visited the museum “Andrupenes lauku sēta” (Andrupene Countryside Homestead) in Andrupene Parish, Krāslava Municipality, where they were welcomed by the hospitable hostess Skaidrīte Pauliņa. During the excursion, they explored the authentic environment of a traditional Latgalian rural homestead and its everyday traditions, while in the workshop “The Story of Latgale Bread” the participants observed the process of bread-making. The homestead actively promotes Latgale’s traditional culinary heritage, and visitors were warmly treated to traditional dishes prepared with great care and sincerity. The event was made especially festive by the folklore group “Sovvaļnīki,” whose joyful music created true Latgalian atmosphere. Through singing and dancing together, the participants gained genuine insight into local traditions, culinary heritage, and the hospitality of the Latgale region.
The programme of the cohesion event concluded in Preiļi, where the participants visited the ceramics workshop “Jašas podi.” The tour and demonstrations were led by the ceramic artist Kristīne Nicmane, who has established her own creative studio in Preiļi Municipality. With great enthusiasm, she shared the story of how the workshop was created and how the unique ceramic pieces come to life. Kristīne’s openness about the daily realities of small business, its challenges, and the balance between creative freedom and customer expectations resonated with every listener. Her inspiring example, warmth, and radiant personality gave the participants a boost of uplifting energy and motivation, offering insight into the nuances of the world of art and craftsmanship.
By taking part in a wide range of activities, the project participants gained a comprehensive understanding of Latvia’s cultural environment, particularly that of Latgale, and everyday life over the course of two days. Both the practical workshops and the meetings with local entrepreneurs encouraged the use of the Latvian language and helped participants better understand shared values and traditions. Warm conversations and new connections formed between Ukrainian and Latvian residents throughout the event, creating a foundation for future cooperation. The participants noted that these days were significant for cultural exploration, and that the examples of entrepreneurship and creative initiatives provided inspiration and encouraged them to develop their own ideas.
These days offered many new, valuable and inspiring experiences, as best reflected in the participants’ own feedback:
“Thank you very much for organising the event! Everything was of the highest quality! I would especially like to highlight the genuine involvement of the entire organising team in the adaptation process of Ukrainians.”
“My son and I took part in this project for the first time. We were left with only positive emotions. My son’s sparkling eyes made me very happy and brought a sparkle to my own. Thank you!”
“I was absolutely delighted – I met friends and acquaintances and spent a joyful time together with you!”
“It was an incomparable experience – new discoveries about Latvian traditions and the unity of Ukrainians and Latvians. It is wonderful and very valuable. The organisers had thought through everything down to the smallest detail.”
“Both the trip, the accommodation, and the leisure time were excellently organised. You succeeded in introducing us to the masters of your region – people whose example can truly inspire. And of course, the traditional Latgalian cuisine and music did not leave me indifferent. The warmth and goodwill of all the organisers and their assistants are priceless – a heartfelt thank you to you all!”
“Thank you for the opportunity to get to know Latvian culture and folk art more closely. I gained great joy from communicating with people and being in nature. Thank you, Latvia, for your support and understanding in our struggle for independence.”
“I would like to thank the organisers for this wonderful event. The excursion was truly interesting and educational. Many new acquaintances, songs, dances, workshops, and museum visits helped us immerse ourselves in Latgalian culture. It would be especially interesting to have more IT-related activities, preferably in Latvian. Thank you very much and see you next time!”
We thank all participants for their responsiveness and active involvement!
The event was organised within 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.
