On October 26 and 27, 2024, an educational excursion titled “Annele and Sprīdītis’ Journey” was organized by Daugavpils University Association for lifelong learning, culture, and science communication “Intellect Park” as part of the project “Let’s Experience Latvia Together”, ID No. 2024.LV/2/UKR_KO/023/L2 within the frameworks of the programme “Cultural Orientation Courses and Inclusion Activities for Ukrainian Civilians” funded by the Latvian state budget. Ukrainian children, accompanied by their parents and local Latvian community members, took part in this two-day excursion, which offered participants the chance to explore a lot, make new friends, strengthen their Latvian language skills and communication abilities, and, in essence, experience Latvia together.
The educational excursion started with a visit to the recreation complex “Lejasmalas” in Auleja Parish, Krāslava Municipality. The event was opened by Maija Burima, the chairperson of the association “Intellect Park” and the project manager, who introduced the project and the excursion programme and presented the activity leaders.
On the first day of the excursion, titled “Annele and Sprīdītis Think, Create and Act” children and their families participated in a variety of activities aimed at exploring Latvian cultural heritage and traditions in a playful, psychologically comfortable environment. The work was organized in groups, with methods adapted to each age group.
The project target audience eagerly participated in the “Dance and Movement Therapy” activity, where, under the guidance of an instructor, they learned elements of Latvian folk dance. The movement games captivated everyone, making time seem to fly by. Latvian traditional games, involving singing and dancing, brought much joy and positive emotions to everyone.
In “Creative Writing Therapy” children and their family members developed communication skills and empathy, learning to express and write about their experiences and challenges, as well as to offer support to themselves and others, finding ways to help and motivate. The activity was led by a native instructor who helped the participants articulate their thoughts in Latvian and encouraged the children to share their views.
In “Game Therapy” everyone was engaged by the intellectually creative quiz “Culture Detectives” which reinforced what they had learned in the cultural orientation courses, deepened their understanding of Latvian cultural values, and strengthened social bonds between Ukrainian civilians and the host community. It was an exciting competition where teams enthusiastically searched for answers to questions, supporting and helping each other along the way.
At the close of the evening, the excursion participants gladly joined in informal conversations about the day’s experiences, played board games, sang and danced together, created decorations from natural materials, and watched Latvian feature films and animated movies. Everyone chose the activity that suited them best.
The second day titled “Annele and Sprīdītis Adventures in Latvia’s Nature” began just as actively and was filled with adventures. The excursion participants visited the workshop of potters Valdis and Olga Paulins, “Pauliņš Ceramics” at Krāslava Crafts Center. Listening to the stories of experienced potters, both children and adults learned about the traditions of pottery-making in Krāslava region and in Latgale as a whole. Ukrainian civilians had the opportunity to experience the true spirit of Latgale, try their hand at shaping clay whistles, and purchase already finished pottery items.
Excitement filled both the children and the adults as Aleksandrs Maijers showcased ancient musical instruments, inviting everyone to listen to their sounds while virtuously demonstrating his handmade sound devices. No one could believe that such enchanting music, and even folk song melodies, could be produced from a saw.
Next, the journey led to the Latvian horse breeding and organic farm “Klajumi” located in Kaplava Parish, Krāslava Municipality, where Ilze and Viktors work alongside their sons. They introduced the farm, shared insights about Latgale’s culinary heritage, and presented their greatest treasure – the horses. Everyone took a ride on horseback and enjoyed a ride in a horse-drawn cart.
Another stop was the organic farm “Juri” in Rušona Parish, where hosts Juris and Lidija shared the traditions of cheese-making in Latgale. The excursion participants tasted various cheeses produced on the farm. The charismatic hosts’ stories captivated everyone and created a desire to return here again.
The participants of the educational excursion acknowledged that it was a valuable experience and an opportunity to learn about Latgale and Latvia as a whole, gain positive emotions while improving their Latvian language skills and communication competence. A significant benefit was the collaboration between the Ukrainian civilians and the host community, which helped enrich their knowledge of Latvian culture and values, as well as create and strengthen bonds of friendship.
The project is financially supported by the Society Integration Fund from the allocated Latvian state budget resources.
Daugavpils University Association for Lifelong Learning, Culture, and Science Communication “Intellect Park” is responsible for the content of the project activities.
