Description
The project will focus on culture as a co-existing platform for various personalities and society. The aim of the project promoter is to participate in the development of cultural processes in Latgale Region. Within the project, it is planned to create a beneficial environment for operation of associations and foundations by ensuring a long-term social capital, and to create a mechanism for financing NGOs in local municipalities and assess possibilities to delegate part of the municipal functions to NGOs, thus improving the economic development on the municipal and regional level. Proposals submitted by NGOs will be defended at meetings of municipal council committees and commissions, a catalogue of best practice examples will be created, as well as priorities and needs of various social groups will be studied and consultations and training will be provided to new organisations. The target group is Rēzekne Municipality, Rēzekne City, and Daugavpils City
Summary of project results
Planned results are reached – favorable environment for NGOs created by providing activities strengthening a long-term social capital (13 discussion and training activities “Direct your life”, 22 discussions on decision making process analysis in a column “MP member on the carpet”). A NGO funding mechanism established in the local municipalities of Latgale encouraging NGOs to develop new services. An evaluation of possibilities to delegate some part of the functions of the local municipality to local NGOs carried out thus promoting democracy, good governance and economic development of the region and giving a chance for the NGOs to defend their proposals in the municipal council committee and commission meetings. NGO forum (70 participants) was organized to increase citizens’ cooperative skills and involvement in NGO sector activities. 65 new NGO members were attracted and 148 volunteers involved in project activities. Latgale regional NGO association was established including 10 NGOs. The best practice catalogue was created including stories on implemented and/or new initiatives proposed by the NGOs. 35 proposals were made to encourage cultural diversification processes in Latgale region, 24 Creative Council workgroups organized. Different cultural events were introduced – Latgale cultural festival (100 participants), 5 exhibitions, 2 charity events, 1 full-length dance performance, 22 lifelong learning workshops (painting, photography, music and dance), 2 creative plenaries, 3 expeditions gathering information on traditional and modern lifestyle thus strengthening the cultural identity of Latgale.
Summary of bilateral results