At the end of last year on December 12, 2019, more than 130 children and young people gathered together at the Riga NGO House to rise their social ability through the networking. This event was initiated and created by several NGOs. Despite of having different scope of action, organizations managed to put their forces and ideas together to work for common goal.
The Latvia’s Poor Support Society "Dace", in cooperation with the Riga NGO House and several non-governmental organizations, jointly created the festival, inviting children and young people with disabilities, as well as children from boarding schools.
“Participating in an exhibition and event called “The World Around Me” gives children with disabilities the opportunity to step out of their usual environment and take part in a life of the society, for some it is their first visit to Riga. Each year, the exhibition is different because the creativity and fantasies of children are immersed in their work, and each time they showcase the wonderful talents, their ability to execute their works with care,” admitted the board member of “Dace” Deizija Rode.
In the first part of the event, children and young people were delighted to take part in four creative workshops. Each of the creative workshops was led by NGO representatives, who prepared interesting and relevant workshop programme.
It was followed by an event honouring the creators (young artists and their teachers) of the exhibition “The World Around Me”. The young artists were surprised by performance of well- known stage artists and entertainers. The event was attended by officials from the National Police College Cadet Department.
Children and young people saw the event as an opportunity to be in the community, feel connected. On the other hand, representatives of the involved NGOs recognized the value of such activities and the need to facilitate the social inclusion in society. The cooperation among different NGOs was also pointed out as a valuable experience.
