Contribution of Latgale Students Centre to Supporting Cultural Awareness and Self-Esteem among Latgalian Youth Presentation of Latvian team: Anita, Ginta, Ilona, Inga, Jolanta

Aims of the presentation: Describe the context of the case Describe the context of the case Introduce experience of the organisation Introduce experience of the organisation Discuss contributions of the organisation and its activity Discuss contributions of the organisation and its activity Share similar experiences Share similar experiences

Latvia in Europe

Latgale in Latvia

Some facts about Latgale: Dominant religion: Dominant religion: Roman Catholicism Roman Catholicism

Some facts about Latgale: nationalities: nationalities:

Some facts about Latgale: socio-economic problems socio-economic problems one of economically most depressed regions in EU highest unemployment rate in Latvia high mobility to Riga and abroad

Some Facts about Latgalian Language 150,000 use Latgalian as mother tongue 150,000 use Latgalian as mother tongue Latgalian – acknowledged only as a ‘historical form’ of the Latvian language. State does not accept Latgalian in public administration or as means of instruction at schools, but has legislatively declared support to its preservation and development.

Why did we choose Latgale Students Centre for our presentation? to show a positive example of what young, active and enterprising people can do to promote national awareness among young people promote national awareness among young people foster preservation of cultural diversity and ethnic identity in a multicultural community foster preservation of cultural diversity and ethnic identity in a multicultural community sustain a positive image of Latgale region. sustain a positive image of Latgale region.

Juris Viļums, LgSC regional task manager: “We do not want people to change. Rather, we want people not to deny their true history, cultural heritage… We want them to respect their language, and respect themselves – be proud of being what they (really) are…”

Latgale Students Centre 2005: LgSC – an official 2005: LgSC – an official organisation founded. organisation founded. Aim: to spread and promote cultural, economical and social development of Latgale region, implement projects related to it.

Latgale Students Centre Objectives: To work out, coordinate and implement projects; To work out, coordinate and implement projects; To unite students of Latgalian origin and promote their cooperation; To unite students of Latgalian origin and promote their cooperation; To promote national awareness among Latgalians, develop interest in Latgalian culture, economic and social processes. To promote national awareness among Latgalians, develop interest in Latgalian culture, economic and social processes.

Areas of Activity NATIONALAWARENESS Language Orthography Status Education Summer schools Culture Literature Music

Activities and Projects of LgSC Lectures & Discussions Lectures & Discussions Summer schools for teachers and pupils Open letter (issues of Latgalian language)

Activities and Projects of LgSC LaKuGa portal /Latgalian Culture Gazette/ ‘Music Wheel’ festival ‘Music Wheel’ festival LaLaDra tour LaLaDra tour /Latgalian is Latgalian’s Friend/ /Latgalian is Latgalian’s Friend/

Future Plans Regional bureaux Music tour ‘Made in Latgola’ ‘Post Scriptum’ Poetry CD Article s in local press Latgalian NGOs congress Latgalian Scholarship Fund

SUCCESS told by LgSC regional task manager “As a result of LgSC activities, society was encouraged not to shrink from its Latgalian identity...” “As a result of LgSC activities, society was encouraged not to shrink from its Latgalian identity...” “…It is hard to state the exact number, but last year’s ‘Music Wheel’ was attended by more than 3000 people. And these are by far not all who support Latgalian activities...” “…It is hard to state the exact number, but last year’s ‘Music Wheel’ was attended by more than 3000 people. And these are by far not all who support Latgalian activities...”

Challenges and Problems Intergenerational continuity Intergenerational continuity Low activity Prejudices Financial matters Slow progress Slow recognition

Contributions of LgSC Increased awareness of self-identity among Latgalian youth Increased awareness of self-identity among Latgalian youth Engagement of Latgalian youth in organising and participating in activities and projects. Engagement of Latgalian youth in organising and participating in activities and projects. Involvement of teachers in actualising the issues of Latgalian language, history and culture in schools Involvement of teachers in actualising the issues of Latgalian language, history and culture in schools Opportunities for positive personalised experience related to Latgalian language, music, poetry, celebrations etc. Opportunities for positive personalised experience related to Latgalian language, music, poetry, celebrations etc.

Thank you for attention!