Latvian government has decided to provide the Social Integration Fund (SIF) with financing of EUR 4.4 million so that the fund can implement projects that are planned to offer Ukrainian refugees in Latvia cultural orientation courses and inclusion activities by the end of the year.
The Ministry of Culture notes that last year the government had approved a plan for activities and provision of support for Ukrainian refugees in Latvia in 2024.
It is planned to offer Ukrainian refugees cultural orientation or integration courses, which will include Latvian history, cultural space, state language course (20 hours), language clubs, participation opportunities, state and municipal services, children’s rights and activities in order to promote their inclusion in Latvia’s society, such as camps, workshops, cultural, sports and cooperation activities for families. The budget planned for this year’s activities is EUR 4 443 120.
According to the Law on Assistance to Ukrainian Civilians, a citizen of Ukraine has the right to attend Latvian language courses and cultural orientation courses and events free of charge, which promote cooperation between the residents of Ukraine and the Latvian society.
In 2023, during the implementation of the program “Cultural Orientation Courses and Inclusion Activities for the Civilian Population of Ukraine”, a total of 27 contracts were concluded with organizations that provided free cultural orientation courses and events that promote cooperation between the civilian population of Ukraine and Latvian society, accessibility in all regions of Latvia for a total amount of EUR 1 151 896.
The Ministry of Culture notes that Latvia’s adopted primary aid system for Ukrainian refugees is successful and works as intended.
During their lengthy stay in Latvia, Ukrainian refugees are able to integrate in local communities and learn more about Latvia’s history, cultural space and other important social aspects, as well as form social contacts.
According to the Ministry of Culture, information from NGOs and municipalities indicates that events based on common interests in an informal atmosphere promote cooperation and networking between both Ukrainian residents and members of the host society. Social contacts and resources of the host community will increase the availability of services and support for the people of Ukraine, as well as facilitate the involvement of the people of Ukraine in various initiatives of the host community, thus demonstrating their contribution to the development of the community.
The solution proposed by the Ministry of Culture was prepared based on SIF experience and capacity, as well as overall competence when it comes to announcement open projects, project assessment and monitoring.
The ministry also explains that for the programme to achieve its goal in 2024, project evaluation will start immediately once the decision to allocate the funding is made.
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Latvian government allocates EUR 4.4 million towards courses for Ukrainian refugees
