We are very excited to, once again, welcome all to our magical wonderland, where miracles happen, and everyone can be a part of something greater!
This year ESC volunteering project “Mandarine Land 2023” started on 10th of January and is held in February, according to our principle of providing integrational events for children from Latvian orphanages and boarding schools, especially during the “low season”. The Culture Association “Alternative Reality”, together with our multicultural team of volunteers worked through thick and thin, to provide a magical and unique event for the participants.
This year’s team consists of 18 volunteers, coming from Armenia, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Türkiye, Norway and Ireland; their participation falls under the European Solidarity Corps umbrella, meaning they are participating in a European-level program that enables them to engage in solidarity activities. Furthermore, the team of volunteers also included local active young people and representatives of nearby youth organizations, relating to fifty people in all.
The main aim of this volunteering project is to provide social inclusion and integration for children (aged 4-14) coming from underprivileged backgrounds, including children from orphanages and refugee children from Ukraine. We believe in the pedagogical power of non-formal education, through which we confidently can not only entertain the participants but also raise awareness towards our shared values: tolerance, respect, honesty and solidarity.
The events – a whimsical quest-like adaptation of Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” – are happening and will happen at our own premises in Riga, a magical and unforgettable place we call Narnia (Lāčplēša iela 54A). The quests take place on the following dates: February 3rd, 4th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 12th, nine events in all.
THE LITTLE PRINCE – A story that illuminates love, friendship, and the ability to see beauty, and teaches you to overcome your fears and limits. This is a story that appeals to young and old alike. We try to give children the story’s main idea, to give them hope and faith in their abilities, and power to change their lives.
Since 2013, “Alternative Reality” has been implementing “Mandarine Land” – a social project for the development of children. This annual volunteer-aided project aims to promote the social integration of children from socially vulnerable groups, regardless of social status, nationality or other affiliation.
More information: www.mandarinuzeme.lv
Project “Mandarine Land 2023” was co-funded by the European Commission Solidarity Corps, administered by the Agency for International Programs for Youth in Latvia. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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