Youth exchange between Cesis and Østfold

21. 03. - 28. 03. took place a youth exchange between two in PIPE project involved regions - Cesis and Østfold. There came 36 students and 4 teachers to Latvia.

In Latvia we had prepared program for our guests to make them feel comfortable and spend the week useful. Norwegian group arrived on Monday, March 22 by ferry from Stockholm to Riga. They were met by Latvians in the Riga Sea port. Then followed the trip of approximately 1, 5 hours to Cesis. On the first day took place an introduction event to the city in that young people of Cesis region showed the city to the guests. After the sightseeing tour in the evening followed the ice - breaking event at Cesis Carting Hall. I think that this event succeeded and the young people learned quite a lot about others and the young people and teachers made new acquaintances even at the beginning of the exchange.

On Tuesday, March 23 we focused on the job market and the labor possibilities in small communities. The day started with the welcome speeches given by Mr. Andris Neimanis, the Chairman of Cesis District Council and Mr. Gints Skenders, the Mayor of Cesis City. They welcomed our guests to the region and wished all of us success during this week. Then followed the presentation of Cesis city given by Mr. Janis Rozenbergs, Head of Cesis City Council Development Planning Department. He gave an introduction of Cesis and wished good luck as well. Mrs. Inese Suija, PIPE project coordinator in Latvia, gave a presentation about PIPE project mission, expected results and future challenges.

The job market expert Mr. Ivo Velde was, in my opinion, organized the action very good, because in almost all activities done during the day were involved young people - there were a lot of workshops and presentations made during the day. The job opportunities are very important issue for the youth because they are the "next generation" that will enter the job market quite soon. Therefore the training and consulting for it is very necessary - for example, we played the job interviews (employers and employees). I think it helped to realize how the job market functions. It helped to train the presentation skills that are very valuable in the job interview.

In the evening took place two - sided "International evening" where both participants - Latvians and Norwegians - showed their traditions and today's habits every way they could. There were food, drinks, songs, dances and much more. I think that this evening succeeded because both nations were interested in the traditions of another nation. This evening was very hearty, in my point of view.

On Wednesday, March 24 we focused on communication and presentation skills and capabilities. For this day was in charge the trainer Mrs. Kristine Liepina, the expert of communication. It was very worthy as well, because communication and presentation is one of the most important concepts we meet in everyday life. In my opinion, the lectures and practical lessons gave us an insight about the "communication world" and its functionality and of course helped to develop practical communication skills which are very valuable especially nowadays when we live in a multicultural society where all opinions and traditions meet each other. It helped to improve understanding and tolerance between different nations, countries and persons.

On Thursday, March 25, took place a trip to Riga - the capital of Latvia. There was a guided tour to Old Riga. After the lunch followed the trip Jurmala - famous Latvian city that was especially popular during the Soviet Union time because of the health resorts and the nearness to the Baltic Sea - it is located on the coast of the sea.       

The 26 of March was full of activities. At first the students and teachers visited two gymnasiums located in the city - they visited Cesis City Grammar and Friendly Appeal Cesis State Grammar School. The students and teachers were prepared the presentations for the guests. I think that this activity was one of the most valuable events done in this visits because in this way were created new contacts between students and teachers living in different countries. It is very important for the collaboration in the future.

After the lunch the young people started to prepare the presentations about their impressions and the lessons learned during this week. They were divided into 5 groups. Each group had its own issue to present:

1.      How do we see Cesis

·        Latvian perspective

·        Norwegian perspective

2.      How could we market Cesis?

3.      Youth job opportunities in Cesis

4.      Differences between Latvian and Norwegian school system.

5.      What have we learned during this week?

These five groups gave their very nice and impressive presentations in the evening in the club named "Vidzemnieks".  There was an opportunity to see how different and innovative do the young people think. In my opinion, all presentations were good and young people have been investing time in preparing them.

I think this week was very useful and it helped to maintain the great PIPE spirit that includes the transnational cooperation as well. I hope that our guests enjoyed these days. Hope to see you someday in Cesis again! Best regards to everyone!

Edgars Vimba,

Student of Cesis City Grammar school,

Member of the Steering Committee