Description
Youth groups considered at social risk, needs support to motivate themselves to get a profession and to succeed. The project aims to involve youth in animal protection activities to motivate them to obtain or continue their education and enter labor market, thus reducing the risk of social exclusion. The project activities should help young people to raise their self-awareness and confidence and develop their skills and talents. Monthly seminars and individual work with young people who are interested in everyday volunteer jobs are planned as well as regular experience exchange meetings, etc. As a result, young people will be regularly engaged in activities acquiring new skills and raising their decision-making confidence. They will be able to choose their own life prospects, set achievable goals and successfully enter labor market therefore integrating into society.
Summary of project results
The need for the project ‘’Together we can do more’’ - youth awareness about volunteering, employment and useful leisure activities will reduce the problems identified in the country: the emigration of young people, youth crime, anti-social behavior, drug addiction, passivity. The target group is exposed to the risk of social exclusion of young people aged 14 to 25 years. The project was implemented in Riga City and animal shelter Stopinu region, Lici. The aim of the project was to involve young people in animal protection activities, in order to motivate them to obtain or continue their education, to join in labor market and in society, to reduce the risk of social exclusion. The objective is achieved: in 12 months were organized 10 seminars about volunteering opportunities, the project activities involved 325 young people, of which active volunteer work carried out by 52 young people at least 120 hours. Within the project they gained new experiences, new knowledge, learned new skills: computer skills, communication skills, practical skills in the animal shelter and public events etc. Even after the project ended the young volunteers continue to operate - affixed ad sheet, assist at the animal shelter, participating in events, sharing in social networks etc. During the project the youth have acquired a voluntary assistant certificate at animal shelter and may permanently continue the voluntary work, as well to qualify for job at animal shelter. The project has contributed to youth employment, and interest in the field of animal protection. The ability to help others – animals – brought the youth self-confidence, self-assurance. The project partner - the Welfare Department of the Riga City Council and in collaboration with the representative organisations of the target group - made a significant investment to the project in attracting the target group. Thanks to the work of the project coordinator, successfuly were organized seminars, were visitors continued to work in the working group.
Summary of bilateral results