Dances and games - a great way to overcome integration barriers
On the evening of 15 March, the Rēzekne municipality, in the centre of the water tourism development centre “lighthouse”, gathered large and small, old and young to move together in Jautras's toys and dancing with the singing Estonian family. The event, which took place at THE CRISCO project, “the promotion of regional cross-border communities in the community of local community in order to increase the efficiency of cohesion policy” (“Crossroad of the Regions-Fostering Involvement of All Citizens in Local life to improve Social cohesion”), was a massive visit and expanded to be very fun. The project consists of a number of conferences, the members of which are representatives of eight countries, actively discussing societies until their participation in the management of various barriers. The final section of the project focuses on the importance of public access to all available sites and their impact on the integration of different sections of society.
The organiser of the event is the “lighthouse” of the Rēzekne municipality, whose manager Agnese Ceirule is an active member of the project CRISCO: “Beer” is a great place to gather for representatives of different ages and various social layers. We have a variety of events, the most popular are, of course, what happens to water - swimming, boating, driving with SUP board and motorboat, skiing and skating in winter. Now, conditionally in the empty season, we gathered together adults and children to move dancers and toys. We are glad that Luban Lake has such a great place as a beacon. '
How important is the loss of public access and their impact on the integration of different sections of society? The members of THE CRISCO project are responsible. In May, Hartmane says that her native parish has opportunities to meet with representatives of various social groups: one example is the Maltese parish child and youth centre (BJC), which is open not only to the designated target group but also offers room for adults. This site is very multifiable and is used to organize events and to manage different interests. These activities make it possible to integrate different nationalities, age, sex people with common interests.
Public places available to any local parish are essential for effective integration. Everyday people don't always have the chance to find their members and communicate with other local people who are not in their work/family/friends circle. Public places allow you to meet in neutral territory, to explore new people and to break a variety of barriers in our society. '
Tony Angelo Fernandes from Kaunas says that there is a place in his native parish to meet: “it is the Kaunatas youth centre“ sails ”where parish children and young people are invited to participate in joint events, activities or entertainment excursions. In these places everyone is able to express themselves - it is an opportunity to get a new experience, as well as to use the experience gained, to meet young people, expand their vision, communicate with others. '
But another important factor to overcome the various barriers is a common interest. For example, Rasma Igaune surprised everyone that the Latgalian songs and toys can be treated differently, and all well-known pork buckwheat can be sanctioned not only in Latvian, but also in Latgalian, Russian, English, German and Estonian! Dance and play—a great way to get acquainted with, find new friends and overcome the barriers of communication!
The Hartmane of May believes that any informal activity is a great way of integration: “toy-type activities and propulsion” is a very popular form of “'ice breaking'” as in large organizations, as well as educational institutions and small communities. Dances and games are an effective tool for getting a sense of belonging to each participant because they do not need a language or a prior knowledge (dances or toys). '
An active member of the Latvian People's dance collective Tony Angelo Fernandes also says that dance and play are the best way to “break barrier” among people: “especially well it works if the participants of the event from different countries. The dance and play all that must be executed or repeated are movements. It can be done by anyone, and it does not require any unnecessary effort. More often these dances and toys are fun, so there is a smile in people that makes it easier and more efficient to find a common language with others. A good excuse to get to meet and talk. '
Thank the lighthouse and the Estonian family for the fun event!
Diana Selecka Text and Photo
