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Lettonie: LAUDERI II
About the local hosting organizationJaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile is a non-profit, non-governmental youth organization founded in 2005. Our organization is dedicated to fostering the intellectual, creative, and personal development of young people through various initiatives. With a mission to create, experience, and be together, we aim to provide opportunities that empower local communities and contribute to the growth of youth on both local and international levels.Our organization s primary goals are threefold: creating, experiencing, and being together. We strive to enable local communities to learn, participate, and self-realize (Creating), offer experiences at the local and international levels to promote personal development among young people (Experience), and cultivate an environment where young individuals can develop competencies for the growth of their communities (Being together).The organization is committed to fulfilling these goals through a range of tasks and programs. These include:1. Youth Initiatives: We actively develop and promote youth initiatives, fostering favorable conditions for intellectual and creative development.2. Non-formal Education: Providing young people with opportunities to acquire essential life skills, knowledge, and competencies through non-formal education.3. Leisure Time Activities: Offering opportunities for young individuals to make good use of their leisure time in meaningful ways.4. Information Access: Ensuring young people have access to relevant information for their developmental needs.To address the needs of youth with fewer opportunities, we implement outdoor education and adventure pedagogy through various non-formal education programs. Additionally, our international voluntary work camps program promotes intercultural learning, community development, and peace education.In low-populated areas, we conduct mobile youth work, providing essential youth services where municipalities may not cover them. Advocacy at the regional level is a crucial aspect of our work, advocating for the quality of youth work and the development of participatory youth policy.Furthermore, our active involvement in traditional folk and cultural events aims to introduce these aspects to the youth, preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community. DIY workshops are organized to support young people in learning practical skills necessary for life.While the organization was established in 2005, we have grown to be a values-based youth association with a significant impact on local communities and the personal development of young individuals. Our commitment to creating, experiencing, and being together drives our efforts to empower the youth and contribute to the well-being of the broader community.
Presentation of the programmeIn collaboration with a local NGO, "Youth for Smile," a youth organization, is embarking on an ambitious project to transform the abandoned former orphanage in Lauderi village into a vibrant non-formal education training centre. This workcamp activity aims to engage volunteers in revitalizing the surrounding area and the interior of the building, setting the stage for a future hub of learning and community development.The project activity will take place in Lauderi village, where the dormant training centre stands as a testament to untapped potential. This picturesque village provides the perfect backdrop for community-driven initiatives, and the youth organization envisions transforming the old orphanage into a lively educational space.Project Goals:Revitalizing the Park and Surrounding Area:Volunteers will work collaboratively to clean and rejuvenate the park surrounding the former orphanage. This includes clearing debris, landscaping, and creating a welcoming outdoor space for the future training centre.Interior Cleanup:In addition to the exterior, volunteers will venture inside the building to tackle the accumulated remnants of years of abandonment. This involves removing old and broken furniture, clothes, and other items that hinder the potential of the space.Community Engagement:The project aims to foster a sense of community among volunteers and local residents. Through shared efforts, participants will not only contribute to the physical transformation of the training centre but also build lasting connections with the community.
Local accommodationVolunteers participating in the workcamp will experience simple and basic living conditions. Accommodation will be provided in a nearby organization house, ensuring proximity to the working space for convenience. While the facilities may be basic, the goal is to create a communal and immersive experience.Sleeping Arrangements:Volunteers will be provided with beds for their stay. It is recommended that volunteers bring their sleeping bags for added comfort during the nights.Toilets and Washing Facilities:Basic toilet and washing facilities will be available on-site, ensuring that volunteers have essential amenities for their daily needs.Kitchen Setup:Volunteers will have access to a simple kitchen within the organization house. The kitchen is equipped with the essentials needed for preparing meals.Self-Catering:Cooking responsibilities will be delegated to the volunteers themselves. This self-catering approach fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration, allowing participants to share cooking duties and create a communal atmosphere.International Evening:As a delightful addition to the cultural exchange aspect of the workcamp, volunteers are encouraged to bring traditional or typical food items from their home countries. These contributions will be part of an international evening, providing an opportunity for everyone to share and savor a diverse array of flavors from around the world.Additional Recommendations:Personal Essentials:Volunteers are advised to bring personal toiletries, towels, and any specific items they may need for their stay.Adaptability:Given the basic living conditions, a flexible and adaptable mindset is recommended. Embracing the simplicity of the accommodation enhances the overall workcamp experience.The focus of the accommodation and food arrangements is to create a communal living environment where volunteers can collaborate, share cultural experiences, and contribute to the success of the workcamp while enjoying the unique aspects of each participant s background.
About the project locationThe workcamp is set to take place in Lauderi village, situated in the Ludza municipality in the eastern part of Latvia. Ludza, the administrative center of the municipality, is the closest city, located 32 km away. Additionally, the village is approximately 310 km from RA)ga, the capital city of Latvia. The nearby city of Zilupe is approximately 11 km away.Lauderi is a small village nestled in the eastern part of Latvia, surrounded by scenic landscapes. The village is home to around 190 inhabitants, creating a close-knit and community-oriented setting.Ludza, the administrative center, offers a mix of historical and cultural attractions. Participants can explore Ludza during their leisure time to get a taste of regional life.Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore various cultural and historical places around Lauderi. This may include visits to local landmarks, historical sites, and places of significance.Participants are encouraged to organize intercultural events, providing a platform for cultural exchange within the diverse group of volunteers. Sharing traditions and customs enhances the overall workcamp experience.Given the small size of Lauderi village, volunteers can engage with local residents to learn about their way of life, traditions, and perhaps participate in community activities.For those who wish to explore beyond Lauderi, the official tourism website of Latvia provides insights into various destinations and experiences throughout the country: https://www.latvia.travel/en Leisure Recommendations:Nature Excursions:Take advantage of the rural surroundings for nature walks, hikes, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the Latvian countryside.Local Cuisine Experience:Explore local eateries or participate in cooking sessions to savor traditional Latvian cuisine.Interactive Workshops:Organize workshops or activities that allow participants to share aspects of their cultures, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas and traditions.The workcamp in Lauderi village offers not only the opportunity for meaningful contributions but also a chance to immerse oneself in the unique charm of a Latvian village. Participants are encouraged to make the most of their leisure time, fostering cultural exchange and creating lasting memories during the workcamp.
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