The NGO Cultural association "Alternative Reality" is founded in 2013 in the Salaspils region of Latvia. Our aim is to promote social inclusion for all people regardless of social status, national or religious affiliation, to promote personal self development, with a special focus on persons with fewer opportunities - for young people and children from orphanages, crysis centres, young people with fewer opportunities to acquire education and the labour market. In order to facilitate the achievement of these objectives, we develop and organize cultural, sports and social actions and projects, involving peoples at each stage of the projects - from the idea stage to realization. Members of the association and the volunteers involved in different social activities, to grow their civil responsibility, self-confidence and interest in the public life and their role in it. Among our projects are the regular projects, such as: cultural project - an annual historical festival "May count festival" in Riga since 2013 brings together more than 50 volunteers of the event organizing process, and several hundred of the population of Latvia are participating in this project making together unique culture event in Riga. The aim of the project - through old cultural-historical traditions to involve citizens in active social life, expand their horizons in the cultural and historical point of view, to promote the integration of minorities in society. a social project for development and the integration of children "Mandarin Land" - since the beginning of 2013 we organize on your own a series of activities for children, with the aim to integrate children from social exclusion risk groups. Each year we provide at least 300 children from Latvian orphanages, social care centers, crisis centers, as well as offer membership to children from Latvian families, which shall ensure the equal participation of children from different social groups. We also invite to participate children with special needs. During the program the children together with our volunteers in joint teams perform a variety of team building tasks, through games they improves communication skills and engage in active activities of a common positive goal. Our aim is to support self development of children and young people, with non-formal education and social inclusion methods to promote their integration into society and raise their civil responsibility level, helping young people to develop and achieve higher life goals to find his place in life and in the labour market. Since 2017 on the achievement of the objectives of the NGO Cultural association "Alternative Reality" organizes, coordinates and manages the Erasmus+ projects in the programme "Erasmus+:Youth in action programme". We have organized and coordinated 2 youth exchange projects, each project consisted of 2 parts, as well as young people involved in our organization are actively participating in youth exchanges: in Latvia, Italy, Crete, Greece, Ukraine. Also in our projects have been participated young people with special needs and limited opportunities. We plan to continue participation in the Erasmus+ programme in 2019, as we believe that it is one of the best ways which contribute to self development of young people and their inclusion in society, as well as the diverse helps young people to develop their skills and competences

Join us in Latvia for 15 days of meaningful action! “Prepare the Joy” is a volunteering team project where 12 young people (6 from Latvia, 6 from abroad) will come together to plan inclusive Christmas events for children from orphanages and disadvantaged families. You’ll help with contacting partners, preparing invitations, developing the event concept, and creating decorations — everything needed to make this holiday season special for over 300 children. Some Latvian volunteers were part of these events as kids — now they return to give back. This project is about real solidarity, teamwork, creativity and making a difference that matters.

Accommodation for volunteers from abroad is organized by hosting organization. Food expences are covered. Travel cost reimbursement will be made according to Distance Calculator rules

Main objectives Prepare all basic logistics and content for the Christmas Marathon. Involve young people in real civic activity, where they can grow and contribute. Reconnect with former child participants who now want to become part of the team. Strengthen cooperation with local orphanages, municipalities and cultural spaces. Create safe, inclusive and creative concept for events that will reach 300–400 children. Main activities Needs analysis with orphanages — meetings, calls, simple questionnaires. Reserving venues and technical support — spaces, transport, catering, basic safety.

The Participant profile: 18-25 years old at the first day of the activity Motivated in the topic Interested in new skills, new possibilities and challenges, in new communication opportunities Interested in becaming active in social life and personal growth participants with fewer opportunities are welcome.
Deadline: 05/10/2025 22:59

The project is implemented under the European Solidarity Corps Programme, financed by the European Commission.
The participating organisations have to be mindful of these needs as they are responsible for providing a respectful and trusting hosting environment. At the same time, the organisations participating in the initiative devote a great deal of time, energy and resources to set up a high-quality activity; they should therefore expect that European Solidarity Corps participants show a similar level of respect for the local communities and the people that are directly concerned by the activities (https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/mission_en).
What do we provide ?

• Training before and after the project
• Health insurance during your project
• round-trip travel reimbursement
• accommodation and food
• pocket money
• language course
• Return Week-end
• Youth Pass and SVI international Volunteer passport

Before applying for this volunteering project, you need to enroll yourself at European Solidarity Corps Platform (https://europa.eu/youth/solidarity_en) and specify your European Solidarity Corps Participant Number (PRN).
This organisation holds a European Solidarity Corps Quality Label.
Contact the ESC coordinator at +32 2 888 67 13 to get more informations.