The current discussion with the participants of the project “Living in Latvia- 4” in the frame of the third module “Latvian State administration, basic rights of people and possibilities” started with quite a simple question: “What good things have happened in your life since our last meeting?”.

The answers were very sincere: some family member had found job, someone hade passed the test in Latvian language courses, someone had experienced the feeling of celebrating Easter in Riga or its vicinity, yet another one had visited a museum, exhibition, attended a theatre performance, managed to find the place where to practice his hobby, some had welcomed guests or themselves had paid a visit to their friends, etc.

All the answers were related to man’s everyday life but at the same time also indicated how unnoticeably (thus – well) all the small and big mechanisms that taken together are called the state and municipality system function and how they allow us to work, travel, learn, undergo a cure, retain health, enjoy art and culture; the system that functioning successfully creates the sense of security and conditions for development for everyone.

During the first part of the seminar participants repeated or learned anew the most important things about the Republic of Latvia - Satversme, Saeima, state president, Council of Ministers, the structure and principles of work of the Prime Minister’s institution and jurisdiction. Special attention was devoted to Latvia’s presidency in the Council of the European Union and the related events on the level of Latvia and the whole European Union. Many participants found the review on the education system useful; however, the meeting with Līga Ribkina from Medicus Bonus, who gave the overview on medical institutions of Latvia and the accessible services starting with useful telephone numbers and finishing with the exchange of information on how to act in different situations.

The organizers of the seminar as always had thought also about the acquisition of further information: participants received handouts with useful internet links about the offers of further education and interest education possibilities, the work of non-governmental sector, preparation of applications and communication with municipality institutions as well as many other materials, including material for self-checking and the participants made jokes that now they would be able to use them to check the knowledge of their family members, relatives and friends.

The day ended with the visit to Riga Council where we could enjoy not only the sunny look at the spires of Old Riga, see the gallery of former heads of the Riga Council, including the chapel and cats that patiently underwent fondling and the process of taking pictures but also a very substantial meeting with the vice-manager of the Legal department, Riga Council, Fatma Frīdenberga and the expert on methodology of the Visitors’ centre Anna Kalere. On behalf of the project participants and Education Development centre we would like to express our gratitude to the director of External affairs, Riga Council, Baiba Buka-Vaivade as well as Riga Tourism information centre and Baiba Pīgozne for their responsiveness and support in organization of this event.

Now when we have learned about the state on the whole and have got acquainted with the work of its largest municipality the project participants at the end of acquiring this module are looking forward to the next wonderful trip – this time to Beverīna district that is one of the hidden pearls of Latvia which is not so well known even to all the inhabitants of Latvia but historically it is very important and today it is a nice and active district. Welcoming the spring and getting acquainted with Beverīna district and the municipality that forms efficient and friendly relations with its small schools, small and not so small businesses, active craftsmen and other inhabitants who have united in associations, we will learn about the practical side of the cooperation among man, municipality and state.

Aija Tūna,

Cooperation, monitoring and publicity coordinator of the project