Successful and attractive EDLS events in Latvian local governments

Four local governments in Latvia – the municipalities of Adazi, Pa?gauja and Preili, and the city of Jurmala – can be proud about their successful and attractive week for the European Days of Local Solidarity (EDLS) between 15 & 23 November.

Representatives from Dusheti municipality (Georgia) visited Adazi municipality. An art competition for children entitled «Our portraits» was held in Adazi, focusing on similarities and differences between people in Latvia and Georgia. Representatives from the Georgian municipality learned about the work of Adazi municipality, its institutions, main projects, as well as best practices on the involvement of local inhabitants in both decision-making and everyday activities. On 22 November, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Latvia visited Adazi and, together with the delegation from Dusheti, participated in a silk painting workshop at the Adazi Art and Music School. They have also visited several educational establishments in order to discuss current issues of municipality’s role in educational system.

The city of Jurmala hosted representatives of Brovari municipality (Ukraine). This study visit and joint meeting for both local government staff and representatives of associations focused on urban initiative projects and culture activities. The Ukrainian delegation met with the Executive Director of Jurmala city and learned about the work of educational institutions in the city.

Informing local inhabitants

Also 54 pupils from Pargauja municipality took part in drawing competition called «Moldova from our view». Before the competition, children watched a short film about Riscani region in Moldova. Authors of the best paintings were awarded by the Pargauja municipality and the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments (LALRG).

In order to inform local inhabitants about Ukraine – one of the Eastern Partnership countries – and to improve public awareness on development cooperation and development education issues, Preili municipality hosted a delegation from Nizhyn city (Ukraine). Within the framework of the EDLS, Preili municipality organized an international Latvian-Ukrainian creative work competition called «Hand in hand with our friends». Students from art schools in Latvia and Ukraine participated in this competition; six of them were invited to take part in events in Preili. In addition, creative workshops for children, youth and their teachers about further cooperation in the fields of education and arts were organized thus facilitating involvement of children and youth in development cooperation activities.

The LALRG, in cooperation with several local governments in Latvia, are participating in activities under the European Days of Local Solidarity flagship for the fourth year already. This year, the EDLS activities in Latvia were also supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia.

No less than 60 events were organised this year under the EDLS, in 8 European countries.

For more information about the EDLS, check localsolidaritydays.eu & #LocalSolidarityDays