In the spring, 2019, 16 specialists from four co-operation districts (Bauska, Vecumnieki, Iecava and Rundāle) were trained in out-of-family care support. They got acquainted with educational program “AIRI vecākiem” for three full days and this was the second group of specialists who studied within the project. Specialists received certificates about the completion of the 24-hour course on May 9. The participants of the training expressed a wish for more practical lessons, as well as in-depth study of one of the modules. The idea was also expressed that a person who had grown up in a foster family could be invited to share their experiences, shortcomings in the system and needs. As far as possible, it would be desirable to offer this type of training to professionals so that they can act more cohesively, thoughtfully and professionally. We thanked the very erudite course leaders Ilze Naguraviča and Daila Balcere, and wished them patience and endurance in this responsible work.

Participants of one of trainings are happy about completion of the course

On May 28, foster families and adopters from Lithuania, Siauliai, a total of 37 participants and three project specialists, visited Bauska. The meeting took place in the guest house Bērzkalni, where our foster families – Rita Laika and Sanita Kožeņevska shared their experience of this important mission, thinking about the future of our children. The guests got acquainted with the work and daily life of Īslīce SOS Children’s Village, visited the Zemgale Out-of-Family Care Support Center and met with specialists. In the afternoon, guests went to see Rundāle Castle and the glorious French Garden.

The project will continue until December 31 of this year and in the next seven months the training of IN-service groups in Iecava and Vecumnieki will continue, as well as the provision of support to foster families, guardians and adopters in four co-operation districts. Also, the project specialists from the Latvian side will visit Lithuanian SOS colleagues and we will also meet Lithuanian colleagues here in Bauska.

Training material “AIRI vecākiem”