The “TEV IZDOSIES!” Project for Ukrainian Integration Continues Until the End of the Year

The charity organization Tavi draugi, with support from the Riga Neighborhood Residents’ Center, will continue the activities of the TEV IZDOSIES! project throughout November and December. The project aims to help Ukrainian residents in Riga integrate into Latvian society and the job market. Ukrainians can attend Latvian language conversation club sessions, lectures, creative workshops, and an improvisation club.

The TEV IZDOSIES! project was launched in June this year to support the integration of Ukrainian citizens. To date, more than 200 Ukrainians have participated in the project’s activities, regularly continuing their studies and eagerly engaging in creative and educational initiatives.

Every Tuesday in November and December at 6:15 PM, TEV IZDOSIES! Latvian conversation club sessions are held for participants with A1-level or minimal Latvian language skills. On Wednesdays at the same time, sessions are held for participants with A2-level skills. The classes are led by Latvian language teacher Gunta Vīksne. Each group is attended regularly by 10 Ukrainians who learn the Latvian language for everyday situations, from greetings to shopping at the market or visiting the doctor. Participants of both A1 and A2 levels eagerly embrace new knowledge and practice using Latvian in daily situations, boosting confidence, improving social skills, and enjoying their time together.

To support Ukrainians in integrating into the Latvian labor market, five lectures led by lawyer Elīna Sviridova were held from June to the end of October. Topics included CV and cover letter preparation, labor law (from signing contracts to termination), tenant rights and obligations in Latvia, as well as conducting business activities and submitting reports to the State Revenue Service. These legal lectures were attended by 75 Ukrainians. In November and December, the project will offer lectures on media literacy and social media.

Additionally, the project has conducted 10 creative workshops aimed at fostering creativity and socialization. Almost 120 participants (Ukrainians and Latvians together) have taken part in these workshops, creating brooches using various techniques, accessories from felt and beads, painting glass, crafting beeswax candles, and making dreamcatchers. In November, participants in TEV IZDOSIES! workshops will create brightly painted fridge magnets and patriotic-colored brooches. These sessions are led by Iryna Andrieieva, a Ukrainian psychologist, art therapist, and experienced creative workshop instructor.

Meanwhile, attendees of the “Improvisation for Joy and Confidence” sessions, led by director Laura Čaupele, learn to overcome fear of mistakes, release tension, and feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations. The goal is to step out of one’s comfort zone, discover personal strengths, and learn to collaborate with others.

Renāte Grundštoka, a representative of Tavi draugi and manager of the TEV IZDOSIES! project, commented: “As the project participants gain knowledge, new skills, and self-confidence, we are thrilled by their interest, dedication, and progress step by step. The idea of the Latvian conversation club came from Ukrainians—our volunteers—who constantly look for opportunities to apply their knowledge in everyday situations and take pride in their growing ability to communicate better with others. Most Ukrainian residents in Latvia still want to return home as soon as it becomes safe, but while here, they are making the most of their time. They not only form their own Ukrainian communities but also actively integrate into the host society.”

The activities of the TEV IZDOSIES! project take place at the cultural and educational center Tvorchi zustrichi (Creative Meetings in Ukrainian), organized by Tavi draugi, at 50 Ventspils Street, Riga.

Participation in all project events is free, with prior registration required. More information about project activities and registration can be found on social media at ej.uz/Tvorchi_zustrichi_FB or ej.uz/Tvorchi_zustrichi_IG.

The TEV IZDOSIES! project is funded by the European Union through the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund.