LNFC supported school projects

Greetings from Kingston!!!

Yes... You heard right... from Kingston! On April 6th of this year, Latvian students assembled in the Dimisevskis residence for the first time. There were seven of us: Laima and Uldis Dimisevskis, Lija and Tara Bickis, Aleks Grinvalds, Maira Jansons and Karlis Smits. We did not decide on any specific action goal, because after all, student life here in Kingston is short and inconstant... and for some it is their last academic year, and then they will set out on their walk of life. But those of us who will remain in Kingston have decided to regularly meet and discuss our interests, which are linked with Latvia - its culture, tourism, economy, politics and overall future. Laima mentioned that several video films are available from Latvija, which we can watch together, as well, it is possible to arrange some speakers, who could tell us about their function in Latvia or for the good of Latvia. Tara recommended we involve Queen's university Latvian professors at our meetings, as well as once or twice a year arrange something together with the university's Lithuanian club. So there are many ideas " just have to hope, that we will be able to realize them all.

And so, before the beginning of summer, we decided to squeeze in, in the busy examination period one last meeting on April 24th, at the Bickis residence (there Liga promised us some piragus!). But, when the time came, unfortunately there were no piragi (bacon buns). Meeting at the Biskis residence did not occur this time, but we were able to arrange a short meeting at Queen's University in their famous "Grad" Club. This time we were also joined by Karlis Vasarajs, Ugis Bickis, and Marija Mihailicenko. We got acquainted with the new comers and then discussed ecological, political and Latvia's citizenship questions. After a few hours we had to say good-bye, because it was a "school night". We promised to meet again in the fall.

Many thanks to all the participants. Thanks also to Andris Kesteris for moral and LNAK for financial support.

Rural school project: Jaunannas elementary school

The rural school support project began with cooperation between Jaunannas (in Vidzeme, near Aluksne) elementary school and Ottawa's society. The Daugavas Vanagu branch in Ottawa and Ottawa's latvian society in the beginning gave their support to develop the school's computer courses which were intended to give the opportunity, not only to rural students, but also to adults, to learn computer skills which are now very necessary in their daily lives and to broaden their employment opportunities for better jobs (in this area there is a high percentage of unemployment).

The rural school project expects information and idea exchanges between the students, as well as the adults, to foster friendly contacts between schools, help the younger generation unite as Latvians in Latvia and Canada, and form a united electronic network.

Thanks to the LNAK board, which granted financial support making it possible this year for two students, one from each country to go on an exchange trip with the intent to acquaint them with the country and gain knowledge about the on goings there. In a competitive manner, one Latvian student from Canada will be chosen to travel to Latvia and in the same manner one will be chosen to journey to Canada. The grant will cover travel expenses (flight). Each child will spend three weeks with a family which will undertake to coordinate their meeting with other children. These exchanges will take place during the summer, so the school term is not disrupted.

Information exchange will start with e-mail correspondence and will be posted on the LNAK web home page. This page will be supplemented with photographs and writings by the students and will open the door for new joint projects. The intention is that this collaboration will form a long-term friendship between the children and countrymen who themselves will promote projects between Latvia and Canada..

Jaunannas elementary school has drawn in another school in Latgale that wants to participate in e-mail exchanges, and everyone hopes that this network will broaden to involve more participants.