The “Shoulder to Shoulder” project, implemented by the “Intelekta parks” Association, has concluded successfully. The project included several important activities aimed at supporting Ukrainian civilians and promoting their inclusion in Latvian society.
As part of the project, the course “Latvian language lessons for Ukrainian civilians – children and young people” was successfully delivered to 14 participants. Through these lessons, the children and young people improved their Latvian language skills, strengthening their ability to communicate successfully, study and integrate into Latvia’s social environment.
The project also developed and implemented an interactive business support training programme entitled “There’s a place to stay, there’s a place to start”, which was completed by 40 Ukrainian civilians. The 24-hour programme covered financial literacy, forms of business activity in Latvia, branding, e-commerce, creative industries and creative authorship, as well as digital content creation. It provided participants with the knowledge necessary to start or develop their own businesses with confidence. The classes were led by competent professionals with many years of practical experience in their respective fields.
A particularly significant project activity was “Consultations and prototype development for Ukrainian civilians to start their own businesses”, in which 20 people participated. During the consultations, participants received detailed guidance on the tax system, staff recruitment and business plan development. They also analysed their target audiences, competitors, range of services and pricing principles. This support enabled them to structure and further develop their business ideas.
As a result, one new business was launched: Kateryna Shumarina established “VILLA Studio”, which offers massage treatments, SPA procedures and retreat services. This contributes both to individual economic independence and to the development of local entrepreneurship.
The company’s Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576237622074
The project also developed a volunteer training programme entitled “You Will Be the Light”, in which 10 members of the “Intelekta parks” Association participated. During the 24-hour training programme, they were prepared to work as teaching assistants in Latvian language classes for Ukrainian children and young people. They acquired knowledge of pedagogical, psychological and communication-related aspects and gained practical and job-shadowing experience.
At the conclusion of the project, the participants were invited to provide feedback on the support they had received through the “Shoulder to Shoulder” project.
Anastasija expressed her gratitude as follows:
“Thank you for the consultation and the courses. I received a great deal of useful information. The lecturers also shared their own experience and valuable contacts for my project. The programme provided answers to many of my questions, and I am continuing to work on establishing my business. Thank you for this opportunity and for your work!”
Yana emphasised:
“I am very satisfied with the free consultation. Although I have not yet started my own business activity, I am gradually moving towards this goal. I sincerely appreciate the consultation and the practical ideas on how to sell services.”
Ihor stated:
“Thank you for the meeting and consultation. It was conducted at a professional level, and I received a great deal of practical advice and answers to my questions. The courses were also very useful and interesting – I learned many new things. I am preparing my project and plan to launch it next year.”
Kateryna, in turn, highlighted the project’s practical focus:
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to receive such significant support. Thank you very much for your work – you are helping people integrate in a truly meaningful way.”
The results of the “Shoulder to Shoulder” project demonstrate how important it is to provide targeted, practical and compassionate support to those seeking a new beginning in Latvia. Latvian language learning, business support, individual consultations and volunteer training have all delivered valuable outcomes: participants have strengthened their knowledge, acquired new skills, established a business and enhanced cooperation between residents of Latvia and Ukraine.
The project “Shoulder to Shoulder”, 2024.LV/NVO_UKR/028/L7, is funded by the European Union. The content of the project is the responsibility of the Daugavpils University Society for Lifelong Learning, Culture and Science Communication “Intellect Park”.
