On the 22 February the leaders of the Kocenu County Council and representatives of social service providers from Valmiera, Mazsalaca, Priekuli and Amata districts participated at a study trip to to Estonia, organized by the SEMPRE partner Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences.
The aim of this experience exchange was to get acquainted with the range of social services and service providers for various target groups in the neighbouring country, as well as getting to know their experience in creating community-based services and diversity in local governments.
During the trip HARKUJÄRVE elementary school was visited in the Harju county of Estonia as one of the providers of social services in the rural community. Fea Üprus and her colleagues has lead the group through the different social activties around the Harkujärve Community Church and in the process layed out how a sacral building becomes a community centre. The guests were for example introduced to the organization "Friend to Friend", which implementsa programme to reach every child's dream irrespective of their income level.
Furthermore, “The Village of Hope” in Laitse was also visited, where for several decades social rehabilitation services are succesfully provided to adults with various addictive problems.
The participants at the study trip have learned much from each other and will continue their exchange and collaboration, which might eventually lead to further common activities and projects beyond SEMPRE.
Photos: (c) Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences
