The Education Development Centre continues working with third-country nationals by organising Latvian language courses and conversation clubs.

Purpose of the project “SaRuNaLV or To come to an understanding, to speak for future in Latvia”, No. PMIF/13.2./2023/1/02, is to organise Latvian language courses and conversation clubs for citizens of third-countries by expanding the availability of possibilities of acquirement of Latvian language and adapting them to the needs of various groups.

During the span of 30 months of the project, it is planned to organise training classes of Latvian language (in the volume of 120 hours) for 33 groups in full-time and remote mode and conversation clubs for various levels of language skills (A and B).

Along with the language courses and clubs, the trainees will receive consultations, be able to participate in common on the spot closing events, thus expanding opportunities for the use of language in daily communication together with Latvian-speaking persons and immediate family members. Training will be organised remotely or in person. Within the framework of the project, graduates will be provided with the option to pass the state language examination at the National Centre for Education. Target group of this project includes also participation of young people aged from 13 to 25 years.

The project “SaRuNaLV or To come to an understanding, to speak for future in Latvia” is being implemented within the framework of the European Union’s Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund 2021-2027 Planning Period and jointly funded by the European Union (75%) and the state budget of Latvia (25%).

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We have finalized another learning stage: at the end of June all the groups that started learning Latvian language, in the amount of 120 hours at the beginning of 2024; therefore, at this moment, within the project we have organized already 15 groups, already 168 third country nationals have finalized learning in them. Upon end of the learning, approximately 80% of students used the opportunity to take the state language proficiency test at the National Centre for Education (VISC), more than 60% of them pass the test successfully. Admittedly, this year the state language proficiency test has changes both in its form, and content, that proved to be difficult for more students than before: each language skill (reading, writing, listening and speaking) is to be known well enough to pass the test, tasks need to be done on a computer, conversations take place online  - all that takes getting used to. We observe that for the most part the students do not receive the necessary amount of points in one of the parts- writing; therefore, do not pass the test. Teachers encourage the students to learn diligently and also do the homework that shall be submitted on time; however, not always the students pay enough attention to that during the course.

For the purpose of improving and practicing speaking skills, EDC offers “Conversation clubs” at the A and B level. On May of this year the clubs ended, we organized them in the amount of 40 hours from October 2023 until May 2024 and anyone that learned Latvian language in person or remotely, had the chance to practice language in person with their friends, acquaintances and other group members. Overall 106 third country nationals took place in the “Conversation clubs”, some of them more actively- others, less actively. Teachers Erika (Ērika) and Inara (Ināra) managed to involve students in various interactive activities and conversations, where the topics (especially at a B level) were planned beforehand, according to the interests and recommendations of the participants, as well as coordinated with the topics that are included in the speaking part of the state language proficiency test. 

We will resume “Conversation club” lessons in the fall.

Despite the fact that most of the activities have ended, on June 17 students started their lessons at a A1 level- summer and the wish to rest to these third country nationals was not an obstacle to learn the language. We wish them the luck to learn up until November!

Next Latvian language groups will start at the end of August 2024 and September, they will be organized at the level A1, A2, B1 and C1 level. We invite you to apply by filling in the questionnaire here. 

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On June 15 of this year at the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia end-of-season event was organized for the participants, family members, friends and teachers of the projects. The event was well attended, 65 adults and 10 children participated. During the introductory part of the event, when searching answers to the questions of the quiz, they got to know the various district households, household items and other objects of the museum. Then meeting at the household of the Courland district, awarding of the winners of the quiz with sweets and a celebratory feast took place. It was a lovely gathering, because the participants of the project had the chance to meet the project team, teachers and group members, chat, have a nice walk in the prime of nature near the city, make friends, taste traditional Latvian dishes.| During the further part of the event we participated in the summer solstice, locally called Jāņi, activities of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia. There was an opportunity to take part in wreath making workshop, as well as sing, dance and take part in games with the folk group „Kokles”. | The weather was spoiling us, we had the chance to learn, experience and take part in all activities. Thank you to all the participants! Thank you to all that showed interest in Latvian culture and solstice traditions!

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You are welcome to the onsite last lessons Conversation Clubs on the EDC premises at 34a Dzirnavu Street, Apt. 8, Riga:

- on 8, 15, 29 May for Level A
- on 9 May for Level B

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Within the framework of the project, classes for 10 groups of 120 hours were completed in April, we have offered them in various language levels according to the demand of participants: three A1 groups, two A2 and B1 groups each, one B2 and one C1 group. In total, the training course was completed by 108 third-country nationals. Test of original language skills was organised for 91 students. 77 third-country nationals have commenced training in 5 groups since February. 

Within the framework of the training course or after completion thereof, language using skills can be strengthened by participating in the Conversation Language Clubs: Level A and B onsite Conversation Clubs on the IAC premises Wednesdays or Thursdays. You are welcomed to join the clubs in May: at Level A – on the 8, 15 and 29 May at 18:00, and at Level B – on the 9 at 17:30. For more details, please write at iac@latnet.lv or call +371 26335521!

We are planning to commence classes with fresh groups in August 2024. We are calling third-country nationals to register for training  here

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You can apply for Latvian language learning groups here: https://ej.uz/LV_kursi
Next groups at levels A and B will be organised from February 2024. Subject to  availability!

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You are welcome to the onsite Conversation Clubs on the EDC premises at 34a Dzirnavu Street, Apt. 8, Riga.

• Conversation Club for Level A participants takes place Wednesdays from 18:00– 20:00 as of 4 October. Apply at: https://ej.uz/SaRuNas_klubs_A 

       We meet every other Wednesday on
       1, 15, 29 November
       13 and 27 December
       10 and 24 January
       7 and 21 February
       6 and 20 March
       3 and 17 April
       1, 15, 29 May
       12 and 26 June

• Conversation Club for Level B participants takes place Thursdays from 18:00–20:30. First meeting to be held on 23 November, and further every other Thursday until 9 May next year. Apply at: https://ej.uz/SaRuNas_klubs_B 

We are looking forward to see you, too! This is an opportunity to use in practice the skills learnt in the classes for communication with other persons beyond the training group.

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Project budget during the implementation period from 1 August 2023 to 31 January 2026 has been estimated in the amount of EUR 524 187,65 .

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Project team:
Iveta Vērse (Director of the EDC)
Linda Kluša (Project Manager)
Aija Kalve (Pedagogical Manager)
Līga Puniņa (Training Coordinator)
Aija Rusiņa (Accountant and HR Specialist)
Danute Grīnfelde (Information Technology Support Coordinator)