The general objective of the project was to provide welcoming services to the Ukrainian refugees, including Latvian and Polish language courses and activities to get to know local culture and nature. There were three specific objectives that we wanted to achieve by implementing the project. First, we aimed to provide Ukrainian refugees an opportunity to learn Latvian and Polish languages by providing language courses. Secondly, we aimed provide Ukrainian refugees an opportunity to explore Latvian and Polish culture and nature. Finally, we aimed to create spaces for Latvian and Polish people and the Ukrainian refugees to meet and get to know each other in order to stimulate intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
The project was developed in March 2022 following the invasion of Russia in Ukraine. Both our organisations had significant previous experience working with migrants and we wanted to act immediately to help the Ukrainian refugees to integrate into local society in Latvia and Poland. The project addressed the needs of Ukrainian refugees to participate in education, labour market and cultural exchange. For this, acquisition of local language skills is crucial. Therefore project included Latvian and Polish language courses. Furthermore, we wanted to help Ukrainian refugees to explore our culture and nature and to create spaces for Latvian and Polish people and Ukrainian refugees to meet and get to know each other. For this, a series of activities for adults and children were organised to explore local culture, traditions, festivities and nature, and at the same time to provide opportunity to experience positive emotions to help process the experiences in their home country and on their escape.