Ukrainians and Latvians actively participate in the integration project “YOU WILL SUCCEED!”

Over the course of seven months, approximately 300 participants have taken part in the activities of the integration project “YOU WILL SUCCEED!” implemented by the charity organization “Tavi draugi” with the support of the Riga Neighborhood Residents’ Center. They participated in lecture-seminars, Latvian language conversation and improvisation club sessions, as well as actively engaged in creative workshops.

The project “YOU WILL SUCCEED!” ran from June to December 2024, aiming to support the integration of Ukrainian civilians living in Riga into Latvian society and the labor market. Over seven months, Ukrainians, together with other Latvian residents, had the opportunity to attend 86 free sessions.

The “YOU WILL SUCCEED!” Latvian language conversation club helped improve communication skills in a relaxed environment through practical, everyday topics. It was designed for Ukrainians who had already achieved A1 and A2 levels in Latvian or were working toward them. The conversation club sessions were organized by Ukrainian volunteers from “Tavi draugi,” with 29 sessions held at each level.

As part of the project, seven educational lectures were conducted on socioeconomic topics, such as self-employment, work and rental contracts, and advertising on social media. These provided participants with essential knowledge and understanding of key aspects of the Latvian labor market and daily life. Additionally, seven improvisation course sessions titled “Improvisation for Joy and Confidence” were held, offering Ukrainians and Latvians the opportunity to understand themselves and others in different situations, practice self-control, and use body language effectively to guide conversations in the desired direction

During the seven months of the project, 14 creative workshops were organized, where participants learned to create various handicrafts and interior elements. These workshops attracted over 170 participants in total.

Renāte Grundštoka, a representative of “Tavi draugi” and the project leader of “YOU WILL SUCCEED!” stated: “Over these seven months, we have accomplished so much together – inspiring and creating, collaborating, listening and speaking, exploring, and developing new skills. We believe it is important to offer Ukrainian civilians living in Latvia the opportunity to better understand our society, learn, and express themselves creatively, alongside their daily lives and responsibilities. The participants’ interest and consistent attendance show that such activities are highly necessary for some Ukrainians living in Latvia and can help ease their integration into the labor market and community.”

The activities of “YOU WILL SUCCEED!” were held at the “Tavi draugi” cultural and educational center called “Творчі зустрічі” (“Creative Meetings” in Ukrainian), located at 50 Ventspils Street, Riga. More information about these and other creative and integration activities organized by “Tavi draugi” can be found on their social media accounts at ej.uz/Tvorchi_zustrichi_FB or ej.uz/Tvorchi_zustrichi_IG.

The project “YOU WILL SUCCEED!” is funded by the European Union within the framework of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund.

About “Tavi draugi”

The charity organization “Tavi draugi” provides coordinated humanitarian aid to Ukrainian civilians in Latvia and Ukraine by organizing and managing the involvement of Latvian residents, organizations, and companies in volunteer efforts. Prior to the full-scale war, the organization supported families in need or facing challenges in Latvia. Since the start of the war, the focus shifted sharply to providing aid to Ukraine, including assisting Ukrainian war refugees at Latvian-Russian border points. The organization continues to support Latvian residents in need and offers crisis assistance upon request. More information about their projects and donation opportunities is available here.