Latvia’s University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), in strategic collaboration with the British Council and LBTU Lifelong Learning Center, proudly announces the commencement of the “CODE: R.U.R.A.L.2” project, scheduled to unfold from December 1, 2023, to April 16, 2024. LBTU Malnava College students are integral contributors to this noteworthy initiative, demonstrating their commitment to the project’s objectives.
This groundbreaking project seeks to involve young individuals and career counselors from educational institutions in two prominent cities/regions—Riga, Daugavpils, Pierīga, and Ludza—in Latvia. The primary objectives encompass the exploration of five pivotal sectors crucial to Latvia’s development: forestry, agriculture, food technology, environment, and veterinary medicine. Additionally, the project aspires to elevate critical thinking, foster creativity, nurture collaboration and communication skills, and instill a profound understanding of rural lifestyle and values.
A momentous opening event, hosted at LBTU and orchestrated by the esteemed television personality Kaspars Ozoliņš, marked the initiation of this transformative journey. Ilvita Švāne, Director of LBTU Lifelong Learning Center, and Zane Matesoviča, Head of the British Council Representation in Latvia inaugurated the event. Signe Neimane, the representative and project manager of LBTU Lifelong Learning Center, meticulously presented the project’s content and plan. Participants from various schools shared their experiences and introduced their respective teams, creating an enriching atmosphere of collaborative engagement.
LBTU Rector Irina Pilvere introduced an innovative concept during the event – bioeconomics, providing a forward-thinking perspective to the participating teams. Entrepreneur Ilona Dabiņa – Bicka (SIA LATMALT Iesalnīca) shared her compelling experience and success story, offering valuable insights into the real-world application of the project’s themes. An afternoon session, expertly facilitated by Rolands Melbārdis, the director of SIA “Active Tourism Center Eži,” added an interactive and stimulating dimension to the project.
As the project progresses, a seminar on “Idea Generation” was conducted on January 18, 2024, at Daugavpils State Gymnasium. LBTU Malnava College’s team, in collaboration with Ludza Secondary School No. 2, actively participated in creatively addressing the assigned tasks, further enhancing the educational impact of the initiative.
Beyond these core activities, a series of planned excursions and events aim to provide young minds with a comprehensive understanding of Latvia’s diverse sectors, thereby contributing to their informed career perspectives.
Key upcoming dates in the project include a public speaking seminar on February 16, excursions to tree nurseries “Kalsnava” and ”Čiekuri” on February 8, a scheduled excursion to the “Latvian Plywood” group enterprise RSEZ SIA “Verēms” on March 7, and a targeted career guidance session for Ludza Secondary School No. 2 students at the end of March. The project is set to culminate on April 12, 2024, in Jelgava.
The enthusiastic efforts of participants from LBTU Lifelong Learning Center, LBTU, and the British Council underscore their dedication to realizing the project’s goals, providing young people with a profoundly enriching and educational experience. The collaborative spirit remains vibrant as we collectively work towards shaping a brighter future for the youth involved in “CODE: R.U.R.A.L.2.”
(Text and pics by Sandra)
