LOCAL INITIATIVES

At Together Towards a Goal, we work directly with young people to create opportunities for learning, participation, and community involvement. Our work is based on a simple but important idea: when young people feel supported, included, and empowered, they become active contributors to their communities and society.

​

Through non-formal education, community-based activities, and inclusive youth initiatives, we aim to help young people develop practical life skills, strengthen their self-confidence, and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Our organization was created with the purpose of bringing young people closer to real experiences, meaningful participation, and opportunities that support both personal and social growth.

​

Although our association is relatively new, our team already has valuable experience working with young people through international Erasmus+ projects. These experiences allowed us to test methods, understand the real needs of young people, and learn how meaningful youth work can create lasting impact. Erasmus+ became not only our starting point, but also an important influence on our values, approach, and working culture.

​

Today, our strategy focuses on creating sustainable partnerships and meaningful youth activities in both rural and urban environments across Latvia.

​

Working with Young People in Dagda​

Dagda is the home of our organization and remains one of our main priority areas. We strongly believe that young people living in rural communities deserve equal access to opportunities for self-development, learning, and social participation.

​

In many rural areas, young people face limited access to non-formal education, community activities, and youth engagement opportunities. We see responding to these challenges as an important responsibility of our organization.

​

In cooperation with the local municipality, we are preparing a series of workshops and youth activities that will begin during the summer period. The timing has been carefully chosen based on the realities of local young people’s lives. During the school year, participation can often be limited due to formal education schedules, while summer creates more space for active involvement and meaningful participation.

​

The planned activities will focus on:

​

• Communication and social skills

• Community participation and teamwork

• Self-confidence and personal development

• Active citizenship and youth engagement

 

Our goal is not only to organize activities, but to create supportive spaces where young people feel heard, included, and encouraged to grow.

​

Expanding Activities in Riga​

Alongside our work in Dagda, we are also expanding our activities in Riga. We believe that youth work is equally important in both rural and urban communities, even though the needs and challenges may differ.

 

Our work in Riga builds on partnerships and connections established through previous Erasmus+ projects and community initiatives. During one of our international projects, we organized an NGO Fair that brought us into contact with several inspiring organizations and youth centers, including:

​

• “Ar pasaules pieredzi Latvijā”

• Riga Youth Center “Kaņieris”

• Latvian Social Entrepreneurship Association (LSUA)

• “Inspiria”

 

We also strengthened local connections through participation in environmental and community-based initiatives such as Lielā Talka, activities in Zaķusala, and collaborations connected with Lastādija.

​

These experiences and partnerships create opportunities for future workshops, youth engagement events, and collaborative community activities in Riga. Through this gradual and sustainable approach, we aim to create meaningful spaces where young people can connect, participate, and actively contribute to the communities around them.

​

For us, youth work is not only about organizing projects, it is about building trust, creating opportunities, and helping young people feel that they truly belong.