Daugavpils University Society for Lifelong Learning, Culture, and Science Communication “Intellect Park” has completed the implementation of the project “STRONG TOGETHER – 3. СИЛЬНІ РАЗОМ – 3”, ID Nr. 2024.LV/UKR_KO/003/L2 within the Latvian state budget-funded programme “Cultural Orientation Courses and Integration Activities for Ukrainian Civilians”.
The general objective of the project was to provide cultural orientation courses and events that promote cooperation between Ukrainian civilians and Latvian society.
The specific goal of the project was to strengthen the Ukrainian civilians’ awareness of Latvia’s history, culture and society through the implementation of cultural orientation courses and socialization events, promoting the integration of the target audience into Latvian society and cooperation with the host community.
The project was launched on March 1, 2024, and completed on December 31, 2024.
The project manager – Dr. philol. Prof. Maija Burima.
A total of 140 Ukrainian civilians participated in the cultural orientation courses within the project. The participants were awarded certificates for completing the cultural orientation courses, which accounted 32 academic hours and covered the following topics: “History of Latvia” (Mg. hist., Mg. paed. Andris Kupšāns), “Values of the Latvian Cultural Canon” (Dr. philol. Žans Badins), “Public Administration, Rule of Law, and Participation in Local Community Activities” (Dr. iur. Igors Trofimovs), “Society and Everyday Life” (Dr. philol. Ingrīda Kupšāne), “Education” (Dr. paed. Sandra Zariņa), “Latvian Language in Work and Daily Life” (Dr. paed. Sandra Zariņa), “Social and Healthcare Services” (Mg. paed. Jānis Pitrāns), and “Business Start-up Opportunities” (Mg. oec. Tatjana Daudiša).
The cultural orientation courses were organized both remotely, using the e-conferencing platform ZOOM, and in-person in Daugavpils, offering the target audience a variety of relevant and current teaching materials specially tailored to the needs of Ukrainian civilians. The knowledge gained during these courses provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of the Latvian statehood, the structure of society, and cultural values, emphasizing the practical application of knowledge in everyday situations. The sessions not only promoted a deeper understanding of local traditions and societal norms but also provided certain solutions to overcome various integration barriers. Thus, the courses became an important resource that helped the participants not only adapt to Latvian society but also feel more confident and motivated to actively engage in it.
As part of the project, two intercultural communication-promoting cohesive events were held in May and November 2024 – excursions that served as a foundation for intercultural dialogue, co-creation, and fostering a cohesive society. These events included diverse and creative activities, such as the conversation language club “Latvijas kultūrt-Elpa,” where the target audience not only improved their Latvian language proficiency but also participated in discussions on topics of social importance; the co-creation masterclass “Art Therapy”, which encouraged expressing emotions and thoughts through art; the movement masterclass “Dance and Movement Therapy”, promoting emotional well-being and physical activity among participants; storytelling therapy workshops that enhanced mutual understanding and empathy; and the film lecture series “Let’s Get Acquainted: The Latest Cinematography in Latvia”, which provided insights into Latvia’s contemporary cinema art.
To establish new frameworks for cooperation between Latvian and Ukrainian residents, foster new networking opportunities and share successful small business experiences, the event “Exploring Success Stories of Small Business and Creative Initiatives in Latgale” took place. Ukrainian citizens learned about successful small businesses and creative initiative practices in Latgale and visited several places: the pottery workshop of Valdis and Olga Pauliņi in Krāslava, where they had the opportunity to observe the process of traditional Latgale pottery making; the farm “Kurmīši” in Ūdrīšu Parish, where medicinal herbs are grown and organic products are produced; the farm “Klajumi” in Kaplava Parish, which focuses on breeding Latvian breed horses and organic farming; the collection of musical instruments by master Aleksandrs Maijers, where the participants learned about unique instruments and the process of their creation. The excursion ended with a visit to Krāslava’s cultural and historical sites, including the Count Plāteru Palace complex, providing insights into the region’s history and culture.
A total of 100 participants took part in these integration events, including 80 Ukrainian civilians and their family members, as well as 20 representatives from the host community. The “STRONG TOGETHER” event significantly contributed to Ukrainian civilians’ awareness of the processes, values, and communication models within Latvian society. It not only provided theoretical insights into social structure and traditions but also created practical opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in daily life. Moreover, it supported the development of linguistic competence, expanding the vocabulary in Latvian, enhancing pronunciation skills, and strengthening both monologic and dialogic speaking abilities on various topics such as culture, economic opportunities, and cultural-historical processes.
These events make a practical contribution to the successful adaptation of Ukrainian civilians in Latvian society, fostering mutual trust and emotional connections between different communities. At the same time, they create an environment that supports participation in public activities and promotes the social integration of Ukrainian civilians, strengthening both individual self-esteem and a collective sense of belonging. The target audience of the events gained valuable experience that not only broadened their perspectives but also encouraged them to actively participate in local community life and expand intercultural collaboration ties.
In December 2024, a women’s networking event “STRONG TOGETHER” took place. Designer Olena Riumina presented her clothing collection “Memory Code” that creatively incorporated elements of feminine solidarity, which is significant in the adaptation and integration processes. The collection’s demonstration featured both Latvian and Ukrainian models, symbolizing cultural interaction and unity.
The event emphasized innovative and original collaboration opportunities between Latvian and Ukrainian women in the business sector in Latvia, with a special focus on e-commerce. Participants and their family members had the chance to gain valuable knowledge about e-commerce principles and successful strategies, as well as learn about best practices presented by representatives from both Latvia and Ukraine. During the event, the importance of mutual exchange of experiences, cooperation potential, and the possibilities of implementing new ideas were highlighted, promoting business development and strengthening the involvement of women from both countries in the modern global market.
The target audience was given the opportunity to participate in a business initiative hackathon titled “Promoting Leadership and Cooperation Between Ukrainian Civilian Population and Latvian Society Representatives”. It was organized with the aim of fostering mutual cooperation between Ukrainian civilians and representatives of Latvian society, developing leadership skills, and generating creative business ideas.
During the event, the participants worked in teams, which also included representatives of the host community, to collaboratively generate new business ideas. Special attention was given to how Ukrainian civilians can integrate into the Latvian business environment, adapting their ideas to the local market conditions and utilizing the knowledge gained in leadership and project management.
During the hackathon, the participants not only developed original and viable business ideas but also gained practical experience by accomplishing real tasks. The event fostered an understanding of the Latvian business paradigm, its opportunities, and challenges, while emphasizing the importance of intercultural cooperation in today’s global economy. Attendees gained new knowledge and practical solutions that help strengthen both personal growth and the overall collaboration between the two countries in the field of entrepreneurship.
The project events and activities not only strengthened the Ukrainian civilians’ awareness of Latvian culture and traditions but also laid the foundation for mutual cooperation, providing the knowledge, skills, and emotional support necessary for successful adaptation. This initiative is an important contribution to the development of intercultural dialogue and the creation of a sustainable society.
The content and activities of the project are overseen by the Daugavpils University Association for Lifelong Learning, Cultural and Science Communication “Intellect Park”.
