national report: first cooperation cycle of the eu youth...
TRANSCRIPT
Latvia
1.Does your country have a 'youth law' or
legislation that specifically refers to youth
issues, or laws containing a section
addressing the needs and/or rights of young
people?
Yes
2. Please provide references for the law
(title, adoption date, validity, etc) in your
national language as well as in English
The Youth Law adopted by the Parliament of the Republic of Latvia
(Saeima) came into force on 1 January, 2009. The Amendments of
the Youth Law that supplements national youth policy coordination
came into force on 1 January, 2011. The Youth Law in Latvian
language is available: 1) on the national legislation website -
http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=175920, 2) on the website of the
Ministry of Education and Science -
http://izm.izm.gov.lv/normativie-akti/likumi.html.
3. Is the document available in other
languages, in full or abbreviated version?
Yes
If YES, please provide a web-link or a copy
of the law in available languages together
with this national report.
The Youth Law (old version) in English language is available:
http://www.vvc.gov.lv/advantagecms/LV/meklet/meklet_dokume
ntus.html?query=Youth law&resultsPerPage=10
4.Does your country have a National Youth
Strategy and/or Action Plan, or a cross-
sectoral strategy specifically referring to
youth issues?
Yes
If YES, please provide references (title,
adoption date, validity, etc) to this strategy
or action plan
In order to achieve the aim settled in the Youth Law – to improve
the life of quality of young people (13 – 25) – the Guidelines of
Youth Policy for the Years 2009 – 2018 and the Youth Policy State
Programme for the Years 2009 – 2013 was developed and approved
by the Cabinet of Ministers in 2009. Documents in Latvian language
are available: 1) on the national legislation website -
http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=190856; 2) on the website of the
Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia -
http://izm.izm.gov.lv/normativie-akti/politikas-planosana.html
5. Is the document available in other
languages, in full or abbreviated version?
No
If YES, please provide a web-link or a copy
of the document in available languages
together with this national report.
6. Please indicate how the EU Youth
Strategy, adopted in November 2009, has
influenced youth priorities in your country at
the NATIONAL level?
A: It has reinforced existing priorities
Please specify your answer. EU Youth Strategy gave impulse to propose at the national level a
cross-sectoral approach with both short and long-term actions. The
Strategy invited to organize a permanent and regular dialogue
(Structured Dialogue) with young people. Furthermore, it
encouraged a more research and evidence-based youth policy.
National report: First cooperation cycle of the EU Youth Strategy 2010-2012
Latvia
SECTION 1: GENERAL YOUTH POLICY
Page 1
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7. Please indicate how the EU Youth
Strategy has influenced youth priorities in
your country at the LOCAL and/or REGIONAL
level?
A: It has reinforced existing priorities
Please specify your answer. Taking into account that EU Youth Strategy’s proposed priorities
and actions have been integrated into national youth policy
planning documents that are relevant to local/regional institutions
in organization of youth work. In order to promote the
implementation of youth work in municipalities according to the
long term national planning documents the general criteria to
assess the youth work in municipalities were developed. 105
general criteria grouped in 10 thematic sections that can be used
to assess the current situation in the youth work. Municipalities are
responsible to develop the policy planning documents in the youth
field determined by the amendments of the Youth Law initiated by
the Ministry of Education and Science.
8. Does the government of your country
support and promote cross-disciplinary
research relating to young people and their
living conditions in line with the Council
resolution on active inclusion, having regard
to the socio-economic environment and the
opportunities and obstacles this poses for
the social inclusion and employability of
young people?
NO, but we plan to take concrete measures in this field in 2012.
Please specify your answer. Since 2009 the annual monitoring about self-assessment of the life
quality of young people, the level of awareness among young
people, as well as youth participation in different social activities,
youth organisations and voluntary work is taken place in Latvia in
order to obtain data about the youth policy implementation
results. In 2012 it is planned to take measures indicating living
conditions of young people by developing life quality index using
cross-disciplinary approach.
9. Is there an institutionalised and regular
cooperation between the Ministry
responsible for Youth and the youth research
community in your country?
NO, but we have an ongoing initiative to establish such cooperation
in 2012.
Additional comments. According to the Youth Policy State Programme for the Years 2009 –
2013 institutionalized cooperation between the Ministry of
Education and Science (responsible for youth) and youth
researchers is going to be launched in 2012 starting with
development of youth researchers’ network.
10. Does your Government have an inter-
ministerial working group on youth or any
other institutionalised mechanism for
ensuring a cross-sectoral approach to youth
policy?
YES, such an institutional mechanism has existed since before the
EU Youth Strategy came into force in January 2010.
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Additional comments. Since 2008 it is established the Youth Advisory Council that is an
advisory body the objective of which is to promote the
development and implementation of co-ordinated youth policy, as
well as the participation of youth in decision-making and social life.
Members of the Council are representatives of the Ministry of
Education and Science, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of
Welfare, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Defence, the
Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, the
National Youth Council of Latvia, the Latvian Student Association
and five representatives of youth organisations chosen by open
calls.
11.Has your Government carried out specific
initiatives targeting young people or the
field of youth policy utilising EU funding
opportunities through the European Social
Fund, the European Regional Development
Fund and/or the Rural Development Fund, or
any other relevant EU funds or programmes
such as PROGRESS[1]? [1] Please note that
the question does not refer to EU
programmes such as the Lifelong learning or
Youth in Action programmes.
NO, we do not plan to utilise the EU funding opportunities
mentioned above to finance youth activities or projects.
Additional comments. There are EU funding investments to seperate initiatives targeting
young people or the field of youth policy, mostly through the
Operational Programme “Human Resources and Employment” (2007
– 2013) and the Operational Programme “Entrepreneurship and
Innovations” (2007 – 2013).
12. Does the Government of your country
have a strategy to acknowledge, raise
awareness of, and reinforce the role of
youth work in society, in line with the
Council Resolution on Youth Work (2010)?
YES, we already had such a strategy in place since before the EU
Youth Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Additional comments. The Guidelines of Youth Policy for the Years 2009 – 2018 and the
Youth Policy State Programme for the Years 2009 – 2013 pay crucial
attention to the role of youth work in society. Annually the Ministry
of Education and Science develops one year programme in line with
budgetary situation and allocates finances to municipalities and
NGOs for reinforcing initiatives of the youth work.
13. What are the main measures
implemented by your Government in order
to improve the recognition and support the
development of governmental and non-
governmental youth work?
In order to evaluate given support to development of governmental
and non-governmental youth work regular e-questionnaires after
concrete initiatives are organized. Regular meetings with youth
specialists and youth organizations’ representatives are taken
place. Every year the Ministry of Education and Science is launching
monitoring that collects data in the youth field that is used after in
short and long term planning.
14. What are the main challenges and/or
obstacles that your Government has been
confronted with during the first three years
of the implementation of the EU Youth
Strategy?
The main obstacle confronting implementation of the EU Youth
Strategy is lack of sufficient financial support both for
governmental and non-governmental youth work. The central
challenge is to keep youth policy as a priority in the political
agenda and raise awareness of the role of the youth work and
necessity of its recognition.
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15. Which measures and/or actions have
your Government carried out in order to
communicate the EU Youth Strategy to
relevant stakeholders?
In order to communicate the EU Youth Strategy several press
relises were created. Dissemination of the information among
direct target groups (youth workers, NGOs, youth leaders etc.),
discussions on-line and publications in youth portals such as
www.jaunatneslietas.lv and others.
16. Has your Government carried out any
actions to measure the impact or success of
the implementation of the EU Youth
Strategy at the national level?
At the moment there is no concrete measure to evaluate the
impact of the implementation of the EU Youth Strategy at the
national level. But as EU Youth Strategy’s proposed priorities and
actions have been integrated into national youth policy planning
documents that are relevant to national institutions anad
local/regional institutions in organization of youth work, in future
defined indicators in youth planning documents could help to
measure the impact of the implementation of the EU Youth
Strategy at the national level.
17. According to the principles of the EU
Youth Strategy and in line with previous
practice, Member States are asked to
involve young people and their organisations
in responding to this National Report. Please
outline the various ways how young people
have been consulted.
Direct consultations with young people didn't take place, but in
frames of Youth Advisory council the National Report was
disseminated to youth organisations for organising further
consultations with youth.
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18. To take the specific situation of young
people into account when devising
flexicurity strategies?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Active labour market policy measures aimed particularly at young
unemployed. Persons who in accordance with the procedure
prescribed by the law have been granted the status of unemployed
by the State Employment Agency as well as job seekers have the
right to participate in active employment measures. In accordance
with the Law on Support of the Unemployed and Job Seekers the
active employment measures are as follows: 1) Vocational training,
re-training and improving of qualification; 2) Paid temporary work;
3) Measures for increasing competitiveness; 4) Measures for
disadvantaged groups of persons;
5) Measures to facilitate start up of business activities and self-
employment. Several active labour market policy measures
implemented in the country are targeted particularly at young
unemployed: 1) Subsidised employment for the most vulnerable
groups of unemployed (firstly introduced in 2001-2002) 2) Youth
workshops (planned to be implemented in 2012) 3) Support for
youth volunteer work (started in 2011) 4) Workplace for a young
unemployed (started in 2010, amendments in 2011) In order to
raise the awareness of young people in employment relations and
health and safety at work, the State Labour Inspectorate in close
co-operation with social partners (The Employers’ Confederation
and The Free Trade Union Confederation) regularly develops and
disseminates informative materials for young people about health
and safety at work, as well as labour relations.
19. To promote cross-border professional
and vocational opportunities for young
people?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Latvia became partner of EURES after joining EU in 2004. Within
this network everybody can find information about vacancies,
working and life conditions in Latvia and other European countries
via internet. Advisors working in the State Employment Agency of
Latvia consult and help people to find the necessary information
on available vacancies in EU, working conditions in other countries
etc.
20. To develop career guidance and
counselling services?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
SECTION 2a: PRESIDENCY PRIORITIES
On youth employment & entrepreneurship
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Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Career counselling and vocational guidance provided by the State
Employment Agency to all residents of Latvia for free was firstly
introduced in 1991. The services include consultations on choosing
education and career, vocational development, returning to the
labour market and changing occupations, assessment of client’s
vocational atitude, interests and preferences, abilities, skills and
suitability for a given profession, consultations on effective ways of
job-finding, provision of information about the content and
requirements of different occupations, information about
educational and training opportunities in Latvia and abroad.
The General Education Standard for secondary education
programmes includes elements of career planning and development
which are integrated into the various teaching subjects. It is up to
subject teachers to determine the methods to be used for
exploring themes within the curriculum. Vice-directors of schools
in charge of extracurricular activities also integrate elements of
careers development in their programme of activities. Careers
education guidelines were developed by the ESF funded “KIPNIS”
(Development of Careers Education Programmes for the Education
System) project, however, these guidelines were not made
compulsory – they have the status of recommendations. The KIPNIS
project also provided in-service teacher training on how to
implement careers education during the project period (2005-
2008).
21.To promote quality internships and
apprenticeships to facilitate the entry to,
and progress within, the labour market?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
The active labour market policy measure “Vocational training,
requalification, qualification improvement and non-formal training
for unemployed and job-seekers” was firstly introduced in 1991.
This measure is available for all registered unemployed willing to
participate and raise their qualification. Although it is not targeted
particularly at young unemployed, it also provides on-the-job
training if employer cannot find an appropriate employee on the
labour market. The following activity is carried out within the
measure - if an employer could not find an appropriate employee
in the labour market, he may request the State Employment
Agency to select and train an unemployed person for him.
Within the activity, an employer is responsible for providing on-the-
job training and is obliged to provide a workplace after the training
is finished. On-the-job training is also organized for unemployed
with obsolete qualification or without a document, certifying the
proficiency of a person. In 2010 a new measure “Workplace for a
young unemployed” was launched in order to address those young
unemployed’ needs, who do not have first work experience and
therefore face difficulties in finding a permanent work.
22. To promote sharing of responsibilities
between partners in order to facilitate
reconciliation between professional and
private life for both young women and young
men?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Regulation on prenatal and maternity leave, leave to father of a
child and parental leave provided by the Labour Law facilitates
reconciliation between professional and private life for both young
women and young men who have children. Part – time work also
allows to facilitate reconciliation between professional and private
life. Labour Law Section 154. Prenatal and Maternity Leave Section
155. Leave to Father of a Child, Adopters and Other Persons
Section 156. Parental Leave Section 134. Part-time Work
23. To promote entrepreneurship in the field
of sustainable development?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
The State Employment Agency is providing the following measures
for unemployed and people looking for employment - measures to
support the unemployed to enter self-employment or
entrepreneurship; different training programmes, consultations
and grants for business start-up or self-employment. Support is
provided to unemployed with appropriate level of knowledge - who
have gained a sufficient level of education or completed vocational
training or non-formal education programmes in the Agency
(different training courses in business administration - basics of
business administration, project management, business plan
developing, accounting and finance, marketing and basic
management) as well as for those, who already developed their
business plans and want to take practical consultations about its
implementation. The financial support is provided for
development, evaluation and implementation of a business plan.
The programme Support for self-employment and business start-
ups co-financed by the European Social Fund provides complex
support to business start-ups and newly established companies, i.e.
consultations, training, financial loans and grants for starting an
economic activity. The Business Incubators combines premises and
equipment with consultations for business development, financing
and supporting start-ups that have ideas, courage to start a
business. On October 30, 2009, the Cabinet of Ministers approved
the Concept on Support Measures for Micro Enterprises.
Additional comments on employment &
entrepreneurship
24. to develop mechanisms for dialogue with
youth and youth participation on national
youth policies?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Co-operation and participation in implementing youth policy is
ensured by the Ministry of Education and Science by establishing
consultative and co-ordinating institutions to ensure youth
participation and co-operation among state administration,
municipal institutions and nongovernmental organizations in youth
policy. Presently, the Ministry of Education and Science ensures the
work of the Youth Advisory Council and Youth Organisations
Advisory Committee, and organizes participation activities and
gives hearing to the views of the work group. At the same time the
Ministry of Education and Science co-operates with Latvian Youth
Council. In accordance with Article 4 of the Youth Law, the Youth
Advisory Council was established to facilitate the development and
implementation of a co-ordinated youth policy and the
participation of youth in decision-making and social activities. At
least 50% of the staff of the Youth Advisory Council must be
comprised by delegated representatives of youth and youth
organisations.
SECTION 2b: PRESIDENCY PRIORITIES On youth participation
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25.to encourage use of already existing, or
development of, guidelines on youth
participation, information and consultation
in order to ensure the quality of these
activities?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In 2011 the Ministry of Education and Science has started
evaluation process of existing mechanisms in order to ensure that
more young people can participate in decision - making process. At
the same time for the year 2012 one of the national youth policy
priorities is defined the development of youth participation. The
Ministry of Education and Science and the National Agency of Youth
in Action programme are planning to work on improvement of
information about youth participation. At the moment young
people have possibility to involve in decision - making process on
national and local level (formal and non-formal ways).
26. to support politically and financially
youth organisations, as well as local and
national youth councils and promote
recognition of their important role in
democracy?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In the frames of the Youth Policy State Programme for the Years
2009 - 2013 each year is provided financial support for youth
organisations. At the same time financing for youth organizations is
provided through foreign financial instruments, as well. For
example, the Swiss financial instrument, the Society Integration
Fund, within the scope of the EU structural funds, is carrying out a
project contest “Administrative Capacity Building of NGOs” (ESF
Sub-activity 1.5.2.2.2) in which youth organisations have the
opportunity to participate and of course the budget provided for
the European non-formal learning programme “Youth in Action”.
27. to promote the participation of more
and a greater diversity of young people in
representative democracy, in youth
organisations and other civil-society
organisations?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Differents surveys represent that currently 2.8% of Latvian young
people are involved in youth organisations. Some of them are also
involved in non-formal youth groups, interest groups and youth
departments of political parties. In order to wider diversity of
young people in representative democracy youth organisations and
youth centres are invited to involve in activities young people with
fewer opportunities. From 2007 Ministry of Education and Science
provides work of the youth policy webpage www.jaunatneslietas.lv
(youth affairs) in order to inform young people about youth policy,
youth participation etc. At the same time each year are organized
seminars and trainings about importance of youth participation and
methods about involving of young people in representative
democracy.
28. to make effective use of information and
communication technologies to broaden and
deepen participation of young people?
NO, but we plan to take concrete measures in this field in 2012.
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Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
The Ministry of Education and Science is planning to use more
effective a social media and new modern tehnologies to broaden
and deepen participation of young people in Latvia.
29. to support various forms of learning to
participate from early age through formal
education and non-formal learning?
NO, we do not have any current plans to carry out measures in this
field.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Currently it is existing only ideas and necessity to provide such
possibility.
30.to further develop opportunities for
debate between public institutions and
young people?
NO, but we plan to take concrete measures in this field in 2012.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Additional comments on participation (for
example references, web-links, project
examples).
Youth organisation "Next" together with partners is very
successfully working on youth participation issue in Latvia.
Recently it is finished the project "We have something to say!". In
the frames of the project dicsussions "Coffee with politicians" (non
formal method to provide dialogue between youth and politicians,
decision makers) were organized in different municipalities. One of
the results of the project was methodogical handbook on youth
participation. Latvian young people have possibility to participate
in political processes and practicaly explore work of state
administration (such projects as "Youth Parliament", "I can be a
Prime Minister!" etc.) More and more young people are involved in
the local youth policy evaluation and planning in the
municipalities, which ensures that in the future local youth policy
will be more based on young people needs and interests.
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31. To create more opportunities for
mobility of young volunteers?
NO, we do not have any current plans to carry out measures in this
field.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
The Youth Law defines youth volunteering and procedures for the
organization of the voluntary work in Latvia. As well issue of the
youth volunteering is indentified in the Guidelines of Youth Policy
for the Years 2009 – 2018. In the frames of the Youth in Action
programme many young people from Latvia are using possibility to
participate in the European Voluntary work.
32. To raise awareness about opportunities
for mobility of young volunteers?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
There have been number of activities carried out in 2011 in the
frames of the European Year of Volunteering 2011 to raise
awareness about opportunities for mobility of the young people.
During 2011 was implemented an Integrated Marketing
Communications Campaign to promote volunteering, as a result
increased understanding of society and level of knowledge about
volunteering, increased voluntary work prestige in society,
increased level of participation. In the frames of such activies as
round table discussions with politics, experts and NGO
representatives in all regions of Latvia , European Year of
Voluntary trip 2011, Day of Europe etc. was stressed importance to
wider opportunities for mobility of young volunteers.
33. To assure quality through the
development of self-assessment tools?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Volunteers of European Voluntary Service use Youthpass as a tool
to self-assess competencies acquired during their projects. In 2011
there were 121 Youthpasses issued to 121 volunteers from Latvia.
In 2011 Riga city council in cooperation with non-governmental
organizations have developed the methodology for documentation
of the voluntary work in institutions. Volunteer organizer
(association, foundation, state or local authority) may prepare and
issue the certificate to its volunteers on the experience gained in a
long time doing voluntary work. Standardized form, include
information on length of service, performance of the duties and
skills that a volunteer has developed while working on a volunteer
organizer. Provides that the certificate can be issued for a period
of not less than 120 volunteer hours.
Although the statement may be issued to any volunteer, predicted
that the greatest interest in the reception will be from the youth.
Upon entry into higher education or involvement in the labour
market, this document will serve as evidence of admission to the
Commission or a potential employer not only for youth civic
activities, but also on competencies, which he has acquired while
working on a voluntary basis.
SECTION 3: ON VOLUNTEERING and the implementation
of the Recommendation on the mobility of young volunteers
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34. To promote cross-border mobility of
youth workers and young people in youth
organisations?
NO, we do not have any current plans to carry out measures in this
field.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
According to the Immigration Act (came into force on 1 May, 2003)
persons who wish to do voluntary work have rights to request a
term residence permit for up to one year with possibility to
extend.
35. To give particular attention in this
context to young people with fewer
opportunities?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Young people with fewer opportunities is one of priority target
groups for Youth in Action programme and National Agency of
Youth in Action programme implements social inclusion strategy to
involve them in projects of non-formal learning. During 2011
young people with fewer opportunities were actively involved as
volunteers in activities of the European Year of Volunteering 2011,
for example, during the European Year of Volunteering trip 2011 in
Riga.
36. To promote the recognition of skills
acquired through voluntary activities
through instruments such as Europass,
Youthpass and Member State instruments?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
The National Agency of Youth in Action programme promotes use of
Youthpass, it is well known among beneficiaries of Youth in Action
programme. In 2010 the National Agency organised a training for
youth workers on Youthpass as a tool for learning and section on
Youthpass is included in most trainings of Youth in Action
programme. However more attention should be devoted to
validation of skills gained through non-formal learning among
employers and institutions of formal education and European
cooperation in this regard is beneficial.
37. To promote intergenerational solidarity
through voluntary activities?
NO, but we plan to take concrete measures in this field in 2012.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Since 2012 is a year designated as European Year for Active Ageing
and Solidarity between Generations (EY2012), Latvia is in process
of action plan development to reach the goals and objectives
interposed for this EY2012. So far the responsible institution for
EY2012, i.e., Ministry of Welfare, in cooperation with relevant
stakeholders including inter alia youth organizations has proposed
four priorities for EY2012 at national level where one of four is
focused directly on cooperation among generations or
intergenerational solidarity. Though work on specific measures is
still under development.
Additional comments on volunteering (for
example references, web-links, project
examples).
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Latvia
38. To support the development of youth
work and other non-formal learning
opportunities as a way of addressing early
school leaving?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In frames of annual Youth State Programme different non-formal
learning activities for youth affairs specialists took place. For
example, in 2011 trainings for youth affairs specialist addressing
problem of involvement of passive young people, including early
school leavers, into social and democratic processes. In the
framework of the Cooperation Programme between Switzerland
and the Republic of Latvia (2011-2017) 17 multifunctional youth
initiative centres will be established and trainings for young people
and youth workers carried out.
Both the trainings (based on non-formal learning approach) and the
centres will provide an open and supporting environment for young
people, regardless of their social or economical status, level of
education, etc., in order to include them in different activities that
will help them to learn new skills, acquire knowledge and
experience in various fields. In 2011 first 10 trainings (5 for
youngsters and 5 for youth workers) took place and the first 2
centres were opened. In 2012 and the coming years it is planned to
organise around 30 trainings per year, while establishing of the
centres will be finished until the end of 2012.
39. To strengthen the use of the range of
tools established at EU level for the
transparency and validation of skills and the
recognition of qualifications?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In order to strengthen transparency and validation of skills and the
recognition of qualifications in February 22, 2011 the Regulations of
the Cabinet of Ministers Nr146 “The Procedure of recognition of
professional qualification gained through non-formal learning”
came into force. The Regulations determine process of validation
and recognition of competences that comply to the first, second
and third level of professional qualifications.
40. To promote learning mobility of all
young people?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
National agencies (the National Agency of Youth in Action
programme and the State Agency on Education Development) are
very active in promoting EU learning mobility programmes for
young people in all parts of education system (higher education,
schools, VET, non-formal and informal learning settings). It is
created several youth friendly portals – www.jaunatneslietas.lv,
www.jaunatne.gov.lv, www.viaa.gov.lv – where all relevant
information regarding learning mobility is available.
SECTION 4: On the implementation
of the additional fields of action of the EU Youth Strategy
Page 13
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41. To make the broader public aware of the
value of non-formal learning?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Starting with 2010 it is established a youth information network
involving different stakeholders on national (state institutions),
regional (municipalities) and local (communities, NGOs) level in
order to provide relevant and actual information to all young
people as well as to raise public awareness on the role and
necessity of the youth work. The recommendations on
development of youth information system in Latvia were
elaborated by the Youth Advisory Council.
Additional comments on education &
training (for example references, web-links,
project examples).
42. To follow up the Council Resolution on
the health and well-being of young people
and encourage youth fitness and physical
activity by applying the EU Physical Activity
Guidelines?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Regional health promotion coordinators of the Ministry of Health in
cooperation with local authorities, educational institutions and
NGOs annualy organize mass sporting events in different regions of
Latvia. Promotion of physical activity has been included into
children's summer camps' (including a camp for disabled children)
agenda. Activities have been carried out according to the Public
Health Strategy 2001-2010, the National Sports Development
Program 2006-2012 and the Youth Policy State Program 2009-2013.
In 2011 a new Public Health Strategy 2011-2017 was adopted.
43. To encourage healthy lifestyles for young
people via physical education, education on
nutrition, physical activity and collaboration
between schools, youth workers, health
professionals and sporting organisations?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Regional health promotion coordinators of the Ministry of Health
organize informative seminars, competitions, drawing contests,
interactive games on healthy lifestyles of young people. Also
informative educational lectures, interactive lessons, quizzes, and
discussions were organized on addiction prevention (tobacco,
intoxicating substances, computer addiction and drug use - such as
"I don’t smoke!", "How to be free from addictions?", "Say “no” to
smoking") themes and related health risks (HIV/AIDS). Informative
educational lectures, interactive discussions and training sessions
for staff, parents, social educators were organized on addiction
prevention and related health risks, early addictive substance use
among adolescents in schools and family. Activities have been
carried out according to the Public Health Strategy 2001-2010, the
National Sports Development Program 2006-2012, Youth Policy
State Program 2009-2013, the National Tobacco Monitoring Program
2006-2010 and the Action Plan “Healthy Nutrition 2003 -2013”.
B. HEALTH & WELL-BEING
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Latvia
44. To increase knowledge and awareness of
youth workers and youth leaders of health
issues?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Creative business and health camps were organized for young
people, youth leaders, particularly emphasizing healthy lifestyle,
including nutrition.
45. To encourage peer-to-peer health
education?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In 2011 the Youth Forum "It is cool to be healthy" was organized
with an aim to promote healthy and physically active lifestyle,
activating students in local activities in the field of health
promotion, in order to increase young people's awareness about the
importance of maintaining health, the personal and social
responsibility for public health, and actively involved in organizing
various health maintenance-oriented activities (including
educational and physical activities). The event was attended by
around 200 young people. As a result of the action they obtained
the necessary knowledge, skills, and received a task to organize
health-enhancing measures in an educational establishment, thus
promoting peer-to-peer health promotion issues in their schools.
46. To facilitate access to existing health
facilities by making them more youth
friendly?
NO, we do not have any current plans to carry out measures in this
field.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Mainly activities have been carried out by NGOs and municipalities.
For example, Cēsis children and young people in education and
health center have been founded in the city of Cēsis in 2007 by the
municipality of Cēsis City, municipality of Cēsis District and the
Children's and Family Affairs Ministry. The Centre aims to promote
healthy lifestyle, to promote young people's responsibility for their
health and for parents to love and understand their children. The
campaign "The doctor is my friend!" was launched by the NGO
“Papardes zieds” (specializing in family planning and sexual
health). The aim of the project was to identify youth friendly
doctors and to develop an easy-to-use interactive map with
directions how to find a doctor. Young people who have met a
youth-friendly doctor, gynecologist, dermatovenerologist or urolog,
were asked to notify by completing the questionnaire.
Additional comments on health & well-
being (for example references, web-links,
project examples).
47. To realise the full potential of youth
work and youth centres as means of
inclusion?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken the EU Youth Strategy
came into force in January 2010.
C. SOCIAL INCLUSION
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Th youth work and youth centres play huge role in the field of
inclusion. Youth centres became more and more a central resource
for youth (especially in regions). In frames of annual Youth State
Programme youth centres receive financial support in order to
implement inclusion initiatives. 17 multifunctional youth centres
which will be established by support of Swiss government in the
framework of the Cooperation programme (2011-2017) will serve
as a means of inclusion of young people by ensuring qualitative
educational and leisure activities that will help them to learn new
skills, acquire knowledge and experience in various fields. In
general there are 80 youth initiative centres in Latvia.
48. To adopt a cross-sectoral approach when
working to improve community cohesion and
solidarity and reduce the social exclusion of
young people, addressing the inter linkages
between e.g. young peoples education and
employment and their social inclusion?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
The main national youth policy planning documents establishing the
cross-sectoral approach are the Youth Policy Guidelines 2009-2018
and Youth Policy Sate Program 2009-2013 encompassing activities
to be implemented by different institutions of state administration.
However there are several other policy documents that provide a
cross-sectoral approach regarding youth policy but in those
documents the youth is not the main or the only target group for
which the policy is being implemented. State Family Policy
Guidelines 2011-2017 have the objective to promote establishment
of families, stability, well-being of families and to facilitate birth
rate as well as to strengthen the marriage institute and its value in
the society.
However these policy guidelines (as well as many other policy
documents, which here are not mentioned) are influencing young
people either as teenagers with their special needs or young adults
planning to establish their own families and raising children.
Another example is the plan “Latvia Fit for Children 2010-2012”.
The goal of the policy planning document is to promote the
implementation of the UN document “World Fit for Children”. The
policy document tackles health issues, quality education,
discrimination, as well as prevention of violence against children
and minor delinquency. The main target group of this policy
document is children (0-18).
49. To support the development of
intercultural awareness and competences
for all young people and combat prejudice?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In frames of annual Youth State Programme different non-formal
learning activities for youth affairs specialists and young people
took place especially on topics adressing combation of prejudice. In
the framework of the Cooperation programme between Switzerland
and the Republic of Latvia (2011-2017) around 30 trainings a year
will be organised for young people and youth workers.
Methodological and training materials which will be developed
within the given Cooperation programme will serve as a tool to
support qualitative youth work and ensure qualitative trainings to
develop intercultural awareness an competences like tolerance
and others of young people
50. To address the issues of homelessness,
housing and financial exclusion with a
particular focus on young people?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Social assistance is residual social benefits, which acts as final
safety net. It is financed from local municipalities' budgets and it is
granted to households or separately living persons, whose place of
residence is situated in municipalities’ territory. According to the
law there are 4 main types of social assistance benefits: 1) Benefit
for ensuring guaranteed minimum income level (GMI benefit); 2)
Housing benefit; 3) Benefit in an emergency situation; 4) Other
benefits defined by municipalities. The GMI benefit shall be
granted and paid to a household or separately living person which
income level is lower than GMI level, set by the Cabinet of
Ministers. GMI benefit is paid on the basis of net income and assets
test (means test). GMI benefit is calculated as a difference
between GMI level (40 LVL per month for adult and 45,-LVL per
month for child under 18) and households or separately living
person’s income.
Calculation of the benefit does not involve application of the
equivalence scale – the calculated GMI benefit is equal to all adults
and children in the family. Housing benefit is established by local
municipality’s regulation. Benefit in an emergency situation the
local government grants without means testing to the person
(family) a benefit in an emergency situation if, due to a natural
disaster or unforeseen circumstances he or she is not able to satisfy
his or her basic needs. Other benefits can be established by local
municipality’s regulation.
51. To promote access to quality services
e.g. transport, e-inclusion, health, social
services?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Access to social care and social rehabilitation services is provided
in accordance with needs of particular person. There are
established different services to meet needs of different social
groups (such as homeless people, persons with disability, deaf and
blind persons, families with children, addicted persons, abused
children, children feft without parental care etc).
52. To promote specific support for young
families?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
There is a family state benefit available to all families with
children in Latvia. Family state benefit shall be granted to a person
(parents or care-giver) that is raising a child, which is at least one
year old and not older than 15; or if older than 15, but not older
than 19, attends general or professional educational school and is
not married. Within family benefits there is supplement to family
state benefit for disabled child and other allowances: child birth
grant, child care allowance for disabled child. There are two kinds
of benefits for persons who take care of chidren: earnings related
Parent’s benefit for employed (socially insured) persons and flat-
rated Childcare benefit for unemployed (socially uninsured)
persons and persons are raising children between 1 to 2 years of
age.
Parent’s benefit is social insurance benefit, earning related.
Childcare benefit is universal state social benefit, flat-rated and
not means or income tested. There is also Housing lending system
supporting young families. The Housing development lending
programme of Latvia was approved on August 2005. The aim of this
programme was to improve the housing lending system by providing
support by the state (as a guarantee) to expand credit availability
to specific categories of population for dwelling procurement and
stimulating renovation of apartment houses. Maximum amount of
guarantees was 15 000 lats.
53. To engage young people and youth
organisations in the planning, delivery and
evaluation of European Year of Combating
Poverty and Social Exclusion in 2010?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Youth was widely represented in majority of the activities
throughout the EY2010. 13 years old boy, a singer, involved in
Latvian Child Forum activities was one of the Ambassadors of the
EY2010. Two major events where youth constituted the majority of
public was EU Garden party and Riga Solidarity Days where the
exchange of best practice and various informative and
understanding raising activities on poverty and social exclusion
problems as well as cultural events were organized.
Additional comments on social inclusion (for
example references, web-links, project
examples).
Assistance in solving apartment matters - see website at
http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=56812
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Latvia
54. To support the development of creativity
among young people by following up the
Council conclusions on promoting a Creative
Generation: developing the creativity and
innovative capacity of children and young
people through cultural expression and
wider access to culture?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
55. To make new technologies readily
available to empower young people's
creativity and capacity for innovation, and
attract interest in culture, the arts and
science?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
56. To provide access to environments
where young people can develop their
creativity and interests and spend a
meaningful leisure time?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
57. To promote specialised training in
culture, new media and intercultural
competences for youth workers?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
D. CREATIVITY & CULTURE
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Latvia
Additional comments on culture & creativity
(for example references, web-links, project
examples).
Hobby education – realization of person’s individual needs and
desires, with respect of ones age and previous education (Law on
Education, Art. 1) Opportunities and gains of youth in hobby
education: - Useful and meaningful usage of leisure time, -
Creative self-expression, self development, talent improvement, -
Socialization (mastering of life skills, prevention of anti-social
behavior, decreasing social exclusion). Hobby education
programmes are implemented at schools of general education,
schools of vocational education and 50 institutions of hobby
education in Latvia. 61% of all extracurricular programmes are
cultural education.
The most significant events in cultural education on the state level
(around 30 projects – events annually) are competitions and
concerts of school choirs (various age groups); folk song festivals
for children of various age and youth dance groups; festivals of
modern dance, events of school brass bands and musical groups,
competitions of visual and applied arts, school theatres, projects of
creative activities for children and youth with special needs.
Web-links: www.dziedundejo.lv ; www.visc.gov.lv
58. To raise the awareness of young people
about global issues such as sustainable
development and human rights?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Latvia is a member of largest network of EuroMed organisations
Anna Lindh foundation. Aim of the foundation is to bring people
together from across the Mediterranean to improve mutual respect
between cultures. Since its launch in 2005, the Anna Lindh
Foundation has launched and supported action across fields
impacting on mutual perceptions among people of different
cultures and beliefs, as well as developing a region-wide Network
of over 3000 civil society organisations. In Latvia network of Anna
Lindh foundations includes 38 organisations that organise activities
to promote better understanding of EuroMed partner countries.
59. To provide opportunities for young
people to exchange views with policy-
makers on global issues (e.g. via
participation in international meetings,
virtual platforms/fora etc.)?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
E. YOUTH & THE WORLD
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
There is possibility for young people to exchange views with policy-
makers on global issues due to structured dialogue process.
60. To encourage young people to
participate in green volunteering and
"green" patterns of consumption and
production (e.g. recycling, energy
conservation, hybrid vehicles, etc.)?
YES, such measures had already been taken before the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010, no additional initiatives
were necessary.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Green lifestyle and green consumption in Latvia is implemented
involving both young people and other members of society.
According to Environmental Protection Law, the matters in respect
of environmental education and education for sustainable
development shall be included in the mandatory curriculum of the
subject or course standard in accordance with the specific
character of each subject by co-ordinating and ensuring succession
on different education levels. The knowledge gained are being
successfully improved in practice implementing environmental
education projects with the assistance of non-governmental
organizations, professional associations and businesses.
For example, „Zaļā josta" Ltd. organizes campaigns for waste paper
and used battery collection. Educating a new generation to be
capable of taking care for the Earth's health, Getliņi Eko organizes
call for proposals „Aizej tur nezin kur atnes to nezin ko!/Go there,
don't know where bring back that, dont know what!” about
creative and effective management, involving high school students.
Green point of Latvia organizes a mission-competition "Green
Night" both for students and for pupils.
61. To promote entrepreneurship,
employment, education and volunteering
opportunities with countries or regions
outside of Europe?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
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Latvia
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
According to the Development Co-operation Policy guidelines for
the Period from 2011 to 2015 there is an intention to broaden the
scope of regions where Latvia's bilateral development co-operation
interests currently lie and, in addition to the Eastern Partnership
countries which are part of the European Neighbourhood policy,
include also Central Asian states. The interest to cooperate has
been expressed by Latvian youth and youth organisations as well.
Particular interest has been paid to strengthen cooperation with
young people from Georgia, Russia and Moldova. Interest in
cooperation with EECA countries is reflected in number of projects
submitted to the National Agency of the Youth in Action
programme. In 2011 there were 33 projects submitted to Action 3.1
”Youth and the World”. Most of those projects involved partners
from EECA countries. Interst towards volunteering in EECA
countries is growing with every year as well. In 2011 10 young
people from Latvia participated in voluntary projects in EECA
countries while 29 young volunters from EECA countries were
hosted in Latvia.
62. To encourage young people to
participate in development cooperation
activities either in their country of residence
or abroad?
YES, such measures/initiatives were taken after the EU Youth
Strategy came into force in January 2010.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
From the viewpoint of young people as the most named reasons of
not getting involved in developmet cooperation activities were: •
Distance (geographically); • Lack of information • Lack of trust –
e.g. projects have been started, but the partner disappeared •
Lack of interest • Stereotypes To increase development
cooperation young people consider: • Organize youth projects with
topics of priorities important to both parts as culture and
mentality, which can bring bigger understanding of each other
culture, environment and can increase cooperation between both
sides • Raise awareness why we need to cooperate and why it is
interesting for young people • Distribute of good examples and
practices of projects and exchanges already implemented
Page 22
Latvia
Additional comments on youth & the world
(for example references, web-links, project
examples).
Organization "Youth for Society" implemented job shadowing
project in Armenia to explore reality of European Voluntary
service, international projects and local initiatives in Armenia.
Project was an opportunity to learn about young people in
Armenia, challenges they face, their expectations towards future
and interest in cooperation with European countries. Youth
organization ''Plauksta'' implemented a project ''We want to know
about IT''on reproductive health and healthy lifestyle among young
people in Latvia and Georgia.
Participants gained better understanding of other countries,
cultures and challenges they face, and this promoted variety of
opinions, cooperation and friendship. In the beginning young
people found it challenging to listen to argumentation of other
country regarding reproductive health, as it questioned mainstream
views of their country. Seeing that each nation is different and
traditions have an influence on each field of our life, including
reproductive health. As a result young people concluded that there
is no perfect opinion and there are different ways to do things.
63. Has your government carried out any
specific measures or is it planning to do so
based on the conclusions from the European
Youth Week, which presents a number of
recommendations on how the structured
dialogue can be improved at the national
and the European levels?
NO, but we plan to take concrete measures in this field in 2012.
Please elaborate on your answer, if
necessary. If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Ministry of Education and Science as a competent national Ministry
together with National Agency of the Youth in Action Programme
and youth organisations is planning to work on development of
wider youth participation system in Latvia, where structured
dialogue will play main role.
64. Has your Government supported the
establishment of a National Working Group?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer.
If yes, how has this been supported? If young
people or other stakeholders who are
consulted as part of finalising this National
Report have a different opinion than that
stated by the Government (above), their
opinions can be stated here
National Working Group was established under the Youth
Organisations Advisory Committee which is one of the national
youth participation mechanisms co-ordinated by the Ministry of
Education and Science as a competent national Ministry.
65. Does the National Youth Council play a
leading role in the National Working Group?
Yes
SECTION 5: EVALUATION OF THE STRUCTURED DIALOGUE
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Latvia
If your answer is NO please elaborate and
indicate who plays a leading role. If young
people or other stakeholders who are
consulted as part of finalising this National
Report have a different opinion than that
stated by the Government (above), their
opinions can be stated here.
66. Does the competent national ministry
play an active role in the National Working
Group?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer.
If young people or other stakeholders who
are consulted as part of finalising this
National Report have a different opinion
than that stated by the Government
(above), their opinions can be stated here.
The Ministry of Education and Science as a competent national
Ministry is co-operating with the Latvian Youth Council in the
National Working Group.
67. Given the cross-sectoral character of the
EU Youth Strategy, have other national
ministries played an active role in the
National Working Group?
Yes
If your answer is YES please elaborate and
indicate who plays an active role. If young
people or other stakeholders who are
consulted as part of finalising this National
Report have a different opinion than that
stated by the Government (above), their
opinions can be stated here.
Other govermental institutions were involved in the National
Working Group. For example, during the cycle of structured
dialogue on youth employment issue was involved the State
Employment Agency in the work of the National Working Group.
68. Does your Government provide financial
or other support for the National Working
Group?
Yes
If your answer is YES please elaborate
(maximum 300 words) If young people or
other stakeholders who are consulted as
part of finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
In the frames of the Youth in Action programme the Ministry of
Education and Science is planning to provide co-finance to the
Latvian Youth Council's (coordinator of the National Working Group
in Latvia) project which will focus on the structured dialogue
implementation in 2012. The Ministry is providing informative
support and consultations for the National Working Group.
69. Is the competent national ministry aware
of the process of consultations, and
subsequent results, undertaken by the
National Working Group in response to
guiding questions issued by the European
Steering Committee for the structured
dialogue with youth?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer.
If young people or other stakeholders who
are consulted as part of finalising this
National Report have a different opinion
than that stated by the Government
(above), their opinions can be stated here.
The Ministry of Education and Science as a competent national
Ministry is aware of the process of consultations and results.
Representatives of the Youth Policy Division under the Ministry are
active members of the National Working Group.
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70. Has your Government taken any
initiatives to follow up the points that were
raised as priority areas in the conclusions of
the structured dialogue on youth
employment, as outlined in the Council
Resolution on the structured dialogue?
Yes
Please elaborate If young people or other
stakeholders who are consulted as part of
finalising this National Report have a
different opinion than that stated by the
Government (above), their opinions can be
stated here.
Competent ministries and other institutions already partly
implement defined recommendations and evaluate possible actions
in the raised priority areas.
71. Would your Government support a
structured dialogue with young people and
youth organisations in other fields than
those covered by the overall thematic
priorities, and individual Presidency
priorities, agreed at European level?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer The Ministry of Education and Science as a competent national
Ministry together with youth organizations are working on
development of structured dialogue in Latvia which can work as
effective mechanism for indentifying youth opinion in different
sectors.
72. Does your Government consider the
National Working Group already established
in your country to be sufficiently inclusive in
its composition to ensure a participatory
process open to all young people?
No
If your answer is NO please elaborate The members of the National Working group are one part youth
organizations and second part representatives of the state
administration, persist necessity to involve more young people who
are ready to be active.
73. What are the methods of consultation
with young people that have been applied
within the structured dialogue in your
country?
More common methods of consultation with young people are e-
questionnaires, direct consultations with youth organizations. In
2012 the National Working Group is planning to have more open
discussions in different Latvian regions. Currently National Working
Group is working on new methods of consultation with young
people in order to ensure all young people participation in
structured dialogue process.
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Latvia
If young people or other stakeholders who
are consulted as part of finalising this
National Report have a different opinion
than that stated by the Government
(above), their opinions can be stated here.
74. Do youth researchers and those engaged
in youth work play a role in carrying out the
structured dialogue in your country?
Yes
If your answer is YES please elaborate If
young people or other stakeholders who are
consulted as part of finalising this National
Report have a different opinion than that
stated by the Government (above), their
opinions can be stated here.
Local youth workers are informed about importance of the
structured dialogue and are invited to inform and involve young
people. As well municipalities have there own methods of
consultation with young people, which can be improved during
development of the national structured dialogue.
75. Would your Government support efforts
to enhance the visibility and transparency of
structured dialogue at national level?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer. Structured dialogue is viewed as a system of youth participation in
decision – making process, which is necessary to develop in Latvia,
that's why visibility is very important aspect. During European
Youth Week structured dialogue events take place at national and
regional level.
76. Based on the experiences gained since
2010, does your Government feel that the
format and working methods employed at EU
Youth Conferences contribute to a successful
conduct of structured dialogue?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer. The chosen format and working methods applied at EU Youth
Conferences were successful. There is better understanding of the
format and values of the structured dialogue on the national level.
77. Based on the experiences gained from
the first two cycles of the structured
dialogue, does your Government have
particular recommendations for the further
development of the structured dialogue?
Yes
Please explain the reasons for your answer. It is significantly to find out new methods of consultation with
young people, therefore given possibility to involve young people in
the European level decision-making process is important. Financial
support to structured dialogue can be provided through Youth in
Action Programme.
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Presentation of good practice # 1 I) In order to pay particular attention to young people with fewer
opportunities, Latvian National Agency of Youth in Action
programme implements Social inclusion strategy. Aim of the
strategy is to increase encourage young people with fewer
opportunities to participate in Youth in Action projects and to
promote Youth in Action as a tool for social inclusion. In the
framework of strategy, the National Agency organise training for
people working with young people with fewer opportunities to
equip them with non-formal learning tools, e.g. Youth in Action
projects, to improve competences of their target groups. This
training has attracted new beneficiaries to the programme and
consequently more young people with fewer opportunities of
diverse backgrounds were involved in Youth in Action projects.
The National Agency cooperates with organisations working with
young people with fewer opportunities and also purposefully
involves their target audiences in trainings for young people and
youth workers (for example, young people with hearing deficiency,
young people with visual impairment, young people with mental
disability etc.) and this has benefits both for young people with
fewer opportunities in terms of social inclusion and learning points,
and also for other participants in learning to communicate with
different people. To facilitate access to European Voluntary
Service for young people with fewer opportunities, the webpage of
the National Agency is available in easy language for people with
mental disability and in text version for people with visual
impairment. The National Agency promotes information on
European Voluntary Service among target audiences and provides
support when necessary.
II) To raise awareness of young people about global issues such as
sustainable development and human rights Latvia is a member of
largest network of EuroMed organisations Anna Lindh foundation.
Aim of the foundation is to bring people together from across the
Mediterranean to improve mutual respect between cultures. Since
its launch in 2005, the Anna Lindh Foundation has launched and
supported action across fields impacting on mutual perceptions
among people of different cultures and beliefs, as well as
developing a region-wide Network of over 3000 civil society
organisations. In Latvia network of Anna Lindh foundations includes
38 organisations that organise activities to promote better
understanding of EuroMed partner countries. One of the traditional
activities is Baltic-Medditarian spring festival. In 2011 there were
21 activities organized- discussions, meetings with interesting
people, exhibitions, film viewing, dance workshops, concerts, food
tasting and other activities that allowed people in
SECTION 6: ON EXAMPLES OF GOOD PRACTICE
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Latvia to learn more about culture of Medditarian region from
different viewpoints. III) To give opportunity to young people to
express themselves creativly Latvian School Youth Song and Dance
Celebration which takes place every five years is the most
significant cultural event for school youth. The 10th Latvian School
Youth Song and dance Celebration was held in Riga on 6 - 11 July,
2010. The Celebration was included in the UNESCO World Heritage
Calendar 2010-2011 to mark the 50 year anniversary of this event.
30 975 participants of 1305 song and dance groups took part at the
Celebration, but 100 000 children and young people worked hard in
preparation for the event in choir singing, brass bands, symphonic
orchestras, folk and modern dance groups, folklore groups, fine
and applied art hobby groups and drama groups.
To involve as much pupils as possible in the Celebration and
preparation for it various activities according to pupils’ abilities
and interests were offered – the study of the history and traditions
of the Celebration, creative workshops to popularize the
Celebration and recruit young photo reporters and journalists to
record and reflect the Celebration, volunteer work (about 200
young people were involved as volunteers at the Celebration).The
sorting of waste and tidying the venue of the Celebration and
memorial objects made the Celebration environmentally friendly.
Presentation of good practice # 2 I) Within the European Social Fund project “Practical application of
the legislation on occupational safety and health and labour
relations in sectors and enterprises” (2008-2013) implemented by
the Latvian Employers’ Confederation, the computer game on
occupational safety and health issues has been elaborated for
young people. Information about the game is available here:
http://www.lddk.lv/index.php?c=100&p=1530, and the game is
available online: http://www.prakse.lv/game. The game suggests
to solve the real problems related with health and safety at work in
real Latvian enterprises (7 companies working in distribution of
automobiles, retail trade, manufacturing and distribution of
cosmetics, telecommunications, tourism and hotel services,
construction, distribution of computer techniques).
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Presentation of good practice # 3 I) Involvement of young people in development of national planning
document “Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030”
that was approved by the Latvian Parliament in June 10, 2010. The
Development Planning System Law determines that Latvija 2030 is,
in terms of hierarchy, the highest long-term development planning
document of the state where the state long-term development
targets, priorities and spatial development perspective put forward
are implemented by implementing subordinated development
policies of sectors and territories. The development of the strategy
began in Summer 2007 with analysis of global development
tendencies and their impact on Latvia. In the Framework Report on
the Present Situation and Use of Resources in Latvia the study
results and main conclusions were published, and individual themes
and problems were more closely studied, brainstormed and
presented in separate analytical reports. It resulted in
crystallisation of several strategic choices or dilemmas, which are
of great importance for the future of Latvia.
Discussion thereof took place in general public in regional forums
“Latvia 2030. Your Choice”, in youth discussions, as well as via
mass media and the Internet. The public choice and the difference
of opinions served as the basis for the creation of four potential
development scenarios of Latvia, which were also widely discussed.
Public participation of such scale in the development of a
document of national level is a new experience for Latvia and
marks a new way for the society to participate in policymaking.
Particularly, active involvement of young persons in discussing of
dilemmas and scenarios and creation of their future vision of Latvia
should be noted. In collaboration with youth organisation
“Jauniešu konsultācijas” (Youth’s Consultation) “The Youth’s vision
of the development of Latvia” has been established where we can
see the future of Latvia by rising generation, get new ideas and
look at the situation from a different point of view. In May 9, 2008
“The Youth’s vision of the development of Latvia” was presented
at National Development Council.
Afterwards the Prime Minister asked the representatives of youth
to develop the vision of educational development till 2030. In
October 10, 2008 youth organisation “Jauniešu konsultācijas”
(Youth’s consultation) presented the vision of youth at the National
Forum "Take-off. Latvia2030". Basic principles of Youth’s vision of
education were creativity, openness, versatility and global
competitiveness. Young people offer to create an education system
that is aimed at the excellence and that ensures the talent and
personality development of everyone. Here
http://www.latvija2030.lv you can find more information on Latvia
2030 (You can also download Latvia 2030 and “Latvia 2030 Browser”
in English), National Forum "Take-off. Latvia2030" etc.
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II) Youth’s involvement in discussions on the future of regional
policy of Latvia In October and November, 2011 Ministry on
Environmental Protection and Regional Development organizes
discussion on the future of regional policy of Latvia by organizing
five Regional Growth Forums “Tavā varā!" (In Your Power) in five
regions of Latvia: Zemgale, Latgale, Vidzeme, Kurzeme and Riga.
The main tasks of Forums are: - to explain and promote the
meaning of local strategies, initiatives and partnership in territory
development and implementation of industry policies, - to discuss
the draft of Regional policy guidelines made by Ministry on
Environmental Protection and Regional Development as a basis for
the planning of Each Forum takes place four days and is divided
thematically in:
- Youth’s Day - Entrepreneurs’ Day - Local Governments’ Day -
Central or final discussion. The first day of each Forum (the
Youth’s Day) is devoted to discussion, where the co-operation
opportunities of youth, students, youth’s organizations and
associations with a city and district governments are discussed to
develop a region. To promote a new, creative thinking and action
that would improve the quality of life in both urban and rural
areas, within the framework on Forums “The Future City Game” is
organized. Participation in this game allows local community to
participate actively and offer their input in the development
planning of local governments, at the same time getting to know
more closely with other socially active representatives of their
district. “The Future City Game” is an interactive methodology to
work in teams made by British Council and recognized urban-
planning British organizations. It has already been successfully
practiced in several cities in Europe and East Asia. Here
http://www.tavavara.lv you can find more information on Regional
Growth Forums.
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