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PROJEKT
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Latvian Aid Association* - founded in 1996 - is a voluntary association
that provides material, practical, and educational assistance to children
and youth in Latvia. Our association is independent and not affiliated
with any particular political or religious organization. We work in
close collaboration with the Swedish section of the Theosophical Order
of Service (T.O.S.) to support two programs for children and youth
in Riga:
1. RIGA's 1st RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL: This is a state-run school with around 200 children and adolescents ranging in age from 7 to 17 years. Many of the children have had a traumatic childhood. Over half are orphans. The others have parents who are affected by illness, alcoholism, criminality, prostitution, or are too poor to support their children. Fifty meters from the school is a 4-story residential hall which is home to the children during their school years. The first floor includes the dining hall, kitchen, and supply room. The three upper floors hold the dormitories with 6 to 10 beds in each room. The building is in poor condition, and the children do not even have their own lockers. They have no privacy, nearly no recreational activities, too little adult contact, and a great need for love. Most classes are held in Russian since most of the children are Russian-speaking. However, parallel classes are held in Latvian. Today, the Russian speaking children also learn Latvian in school. After they finish school some continue their education by going to trade schools. However, integration into society is a common problem. 2. GROUP HOME FOR YOUTH. Since the autumn of 1999 the Latvian Aid Association has been supporting a Latvian organization called "Kopa ar Mums" (which means Together With Us) that runs a group home in central Riga. It is a small, 4-room apartment in a very poor area of the city. Here, 8 young people who grew up in institutions can learn to live in a home-like environment. To become prepared to live in society they have a great need for educational, psychological, and material support. The Latvian Aid Association has received funding from SIDA (the Swedish International Development Authority) to develop the group home. Most of the funds are earmarked for education of the residents and staff. For material and humanitarian aid we must depend completely on the generosity of the public. Anyone
who would like to support the activities described above can become
a member of the Latvian Aid Association. The annual membership fee
is voluntary. We are most grateful for each and every donation.
Thank you for your interest and support!
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