In order to discuss further cooperation, on 27 August, the municipality of Rezekne visited visitors from the British - Backy Austin, Steven Freeman and the British Council (British Council) in Latvia Zane Matesovich. In meeting the Executive Director of the municipality of Rezekne, Janis Trošku and external liaison officers Inta Rimšani, the new project “uncomfortable Media” - or “uncomfortable journalism” was discussed, in which the young people of Rezekne and other municipalities took the basis of media literacy at the journalism summer school, which took place in Rezekne municipality from 18 to 31 August. Inta Rimšāne said: “we want our young people to become more active, expressing their opinion and engaging in various projects, and the British Council in Latvia will be able to implement it.” Rēzekne Municipality Executive Director Janis Troška acknowledged that he was delighted with new project opportunities: “such projects strengthen contacts between countries and allow our people to acquire new skills and knowledge.”
The visitors then went to Rēzekne Municipality Čornajas parish, where there was a journalist summer school in the guest house “Ezerkrasti”. Young people from all Latgale took part in it, learning the skills of media literacy. The training was conducted by journalist July Roodin from Estonia, who acknowledged that the camp members were very smart and motivated: “you can be proud of your people who are perfectly able to express their views, manage both Latvian and English and Russian.”
The next phase of the project will begin in October, when the Rezekne municipality will be able to attend media literacy at the Rēzekne Technology Academy twice a month. The “uncomfortable Media” or “uncomfortable journalism” project is intended for young people to be socially active, not passing through uncomfortable living situations and being brave in defending and arguing their views. During training at the Rēzekne Technology Academy, students will be able to learn the basics of journalism, work with audio and video equipment, publish their works in media.
The project “uncomfortable Media”, or “uncomfortable journalism” is financed by the British Council in Latvia, is supported by the Stockholm Economy School in Riga, the Rēzekne Technology Academy and the municipality of Rezekne.
Diana Selecka, Public relations specialist of the municipality of Rezekne