On 30 September, Smiltene Technical School hosted the international conference “Tolerance and Social Inclusion: The Role of Foreign Nationals in Modern Society.” From 30 September to 3 October 2025, partners from France, Italy, and Turkey visited the school within the Erasmus+ project Culture, Craft and Citizenship (CCC). The project aims to develop an inclusive training programme that values local crafts and cultural heritage as tools for social and civic integration.
The conference highlighted the inclusion of foreign youth and families in education and local communities, as well as partner achievements in combining cultural heritage with vocational education to promote intercultural dialogue.
School director Rolands Aģis stressed the importance of international cooperation, while Ervins Labanovskis, Chairman of Smiltene Municipality Council, underlined the relevance of the conference topic. Seven invited speakers shared insights on the integration of foreign families in Smiltene, Vidzeme, and Latvia.
Speakers included:
- Evija Kindzule, Head of the Education Department, on support for Ukrainian children and youth
- Inta Siliņa, Head of the Social Service, on building a supportive local community and available assistance
- Nataliia Yushchenko, volunteer and coordinator of the Ukrainian community, on the importance of attending Latvian schools for better socialization
- Olha Sorochynska and Sanita Krastiņa from Valmiera Technical School, sharing their experience with Ukrainian students
- Marianna Jode, folklorist, on how foreign nationals enrich Latvian culture
- Elgars Felcis, researcher, on the multicultural community Zadiņi in Launkalne parish
Project partners from France, Italy, and Turkey presented their progress, while project manager Līga Krūmiņa introduced the newly created CCC Latvian Symbol Trail, developed together with students, teachers, and local cultural experts. After the conference, the trail was officially opened and tested by guests and students.
Tourism students helped prepare the venue and coffee break, and the project’s youth group ensured translation for international participants. The event also featured a performance by the family folklore group Berendejka.
Work on the CCC project continues. From 1–3 October 2025, Smiltene Technical School is hosting a Training of Trainers (ToT) session, where teachers from Latvia, France, Italy, and Turkey, including representatives from Valmiera Technical School and Smiltene Secondary School, are evaluating the CCC methodology.
