From City Streets to Global Conflicts: A Day of Discovery

On the fourth day of the youth exchange, participants had the opportunity to explore the city of Riga and visit several of its main landmarks. The morning began with a snowy walk through the city, creating a memorable atmosphere for discovering the historical and cultural surroundings of the Latvian capital.

During the city tour, participants also engaged with local residents through short interviews about Latvia’s historical experience with the Russian occupation. The conversations revealed a variety of perspectives. Some older residents expressed the view that life had been better in the past and did not necessarily consider Russia’s presence in Riga as an occupation. In contrast, younger people often shared different opinions, explaining how greater access to education and historical information has shaped their understanding of the country’s past. These discussions highlighted how historical narratives and past propaganda can influence different generations in distinct ways.

In the afternoon, participants continued their learning through a map-based session focused on different types of conflicts occurring around the world. The activity explored various forms of war, including civil wars, interstate conflicts, and struggles connected to issues such as drug trafficking and political instability. By analysing global examples, participants gained a broader understanding of the many factors that can lead to conflict.

The day concluded with a debate on humanitarian aid. Participants discussed whether support during crises should primarily come from local communities or from government institutions, and to what extent people trust these actors in times of need. The discussion encouraged participants to reflect on responsibility, fairness, and the effectiveness of different forms of assistance during humanitarian emergencies.

Overall, the day combined cultural exploration with critical discussions, offering participants an opportunity to reflect on history, global conflicts, and the complexities of providing aid during times of crisis.

This project is funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the Youth International Program Agency.

Neither the European Union nor the funding body can be held responsible for them. Neither the European Union nor the awarding authority can be held responsible for them.

#ErasmusPlus #YouthExchange #ResilientYouth #Riga #Latvia