Description
The project’s aim is to raise capacity of the Association to promote development of social entrepreneurship in the Eastern part of the Latgale region and to promote social inclusion and an increase in well-being of residents exposed to social exclusion risks. Within the project, rural residents will develop an understanding of social entrepreneurship and learn the management principles. The Association’s members will gain experience, strengthen their social entrepreneurship operational skills and promote international collaboration. The project will promote a social operational policy and its implementation in Latgale, and collaboration between NGOs, local governments and entrepreneurs on a local and European level. Involvement of the Icelandic partner will enhance the project results. The project target group is the members of the Association, people with disabilities, families with children and the unemployed of pre-retirement age residing in Ludza, Cibla, Zilupe and Kārsava regions.
Summary of project results
High unemployment and low income in Latgale have created a situation in which a large part of society is poor, especially people with disabilities. In order to raise living standards, it is necessary to develop the business, motivate people to change from job seekers to employers or at least become self-employed. The goal of the project is to strengthen economic capacity of Ludza Disabled Society (LDS), promote development of social entrepreneurship in eastern Latgale, thus supporting welfare growth and contributing to the social inclusion of people who are risk of social exclusion. The project objective is achieved, since all project activities that were implemented within the project have contributed to the cooperation of three sectors - NGOs, local government and business - at local and regional level. During the project 38 Ludza, Ciblas, Zilupe and Karsava county residents got a conception about the activities of a social enterprise, its specifics and management principles. 10 people from Ludza mastered basic skills in machine-knitting. During the project the target group selection has been strictly adhered to the principles of equality. Candidates who had applied first were invited to participate in training. The members Ludza Society of Disabled gained the experience, strengthened work capacity of the organization in the area of social entrepreneurship, promoted international cooperation. Through the media, project activities contributed to the development of social policy and its implementation in Latgale.
Summary of bilateral results
Ludza Disabled Society Project was implemented in collaboration with the workshop of organization of Disabled in Iceland Örtækni. Örtækni has more than 30 years of experience in organizing training and creating jobs for people with disabilities. The project partnership is estimated very positive, because thanks to the project partner, international contacts were established, positive experience was gained, thus contributing to sustainability of the project. Experience in social entrepreneurship was acquired. The participants of the project increased their competence and economic capacity. The financing of the project partner’s expenses – EUR 2 967, 41.