Description
The aim of the project is to reduce discrimination and biases among Latvian students about students with different religious views, culture habits and characteristics of lifestyle. To reach the aim of the project, a research about xenophobia and discrimination in Latvian universities will be carried out, and it is also planned to improve operation of Latvian students’ organisations and make it friendlier to foreign students. It is planned that project activities will ensure wider involvement of students in interest protection organisations, promote integration of students in the community of Latvian students, develop awareness about inclusion of various cultures in the society, develop an environment that promotes lessening of racism, xenophobia, and discrimination against the incoming students. The target group is Latvian and foreign students.
Summary of project results
The aim of the project was to reduce the discrimination and preconception among students of Latvia against students with drastically different religious beliefs, cultural manners and perceptions of life, as well as to encourage these foreign students, who come mainly from non-Europe countries, to participate in student organizations of Latvia. The aim has been achieved. Within the project has been realized a research regarding xenophobia and discrimination in universities of Latvia. The results of the research have served as a basis for developing recommendations for arranging the external and internal environment and reducing discrimination. These recommendations have been summarized in the document “Methodology on Successful Involvement and Integration of Foreign Students”. Within the project 3 seminars have been organized, an experience exchange visit has taken place and a memorandum of cooperation “Memorandum of Nongovernmental Student Organisations of Latvia on Promoting Unity among Students in Latvia and Reducing Discrimination of Foreign Students” has been signed between 17 student organisations to establish a cooperation platform. The results of the project and the recommendations have been summarized in an electronic and printed brochure. The project has achieved a significant level of publicity: • 12 press releases have been sent. • Information about the project has been published 45 times (in TV, radio and Internet portals). • Start-up and closing seminars of the project have taken place. These activities have drawn attention to the discrimination problem in society. Documents created within the project have been given to the Academic Information Centre, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Culture, the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia and AIEA. The documents are also available to any organisation that has contacts with young people from other countries with different cultures. Member organisations of the created cooperation platform for implementation of the recommendations will continue to involve foreign students in representation of student interests and promote their integration into the student community of Latvia also after the project has been finished.
Summary of bilateral results