Project Title: RENETProject ID: LLP-LDV/TOI/09/IT/0414

Title of the document: NETWORK BUILDING, MANAGEMENT AND MAINTAINING “DZIVESPRIEKS”

Document code: TM (Transnational meeting) - 22bis/2011Typology: ReportClassification: Confidential

Version: 22bis/2011Date: 05/2011Author: DZIVESPRIEKS        

REvitalizing networks and New Emphasis in Transfer Preventing and facing early school leaving by sharing

solutions and tools

ITALY – GREECE – LATVIA

NETWORK BUILDING, MANAGEMENT AND MAINTAINING

www.dzivesprieks.lv

WHAT IS DZIVESPRIEKS – LIVSLUST- LUST FOR LIFE?

“Everyone has the right to a secure and maningful life, but without a family, no place to live, no schooling and no money, you stand little chance of succeeding. Nonetheless, it is possible also for disilusioned and neglected teenagers in no hope for the future to create a meaningful life for themselves. Since vocational skills contribute to opening the doors to society, vocational training combined with social rehabilitation constitutes the backbone of the work of Dzivesprieks.”

Founder of Livslust, Kerstin Nordin

HISTORY

• The Livslust Foundation, Swedish Non-Governmental Organisation founded in 1993

• The Latvian sister organisation – 1994

• The school founded in 1996, this year celebrates 15th birthday

• School is situated in Aizupe, 110km from Riga

PURPOSE

• The school is for teenagers at risk:

Youngsters between 15 -18 coming from disfunctional families (alcohol, drug addiction, criminal background), abandoned by parents, orphans.

• To prepare vulnerable teenagers for independent life and meaningful future

SELECTION OF STUDENTS

• All year round

• In cooperation with social services from local municipalities

• Number of students – 40

• Staying at school 2-3 years

METHODOLOGY

• Safe and secure living environment

• Social rehabilitation

• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, HIV/Aids prevention

• Vocational training in cooperation with companies and practice in school workshops

• Follow-up and support to former students

ACCREDITATED VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

• Sewing

• Painting and repair work

• Kitchen and restaurant work

• Carpentry

THE SUBJECT – LIFE SKILLS

• Cooperation and creation of healthy relationships

• Healthy life-style• Managing a household, basic cooking• Awareness of environment• Latvian culture traditions• Necessities of society (politics,economics)• Basic knowledge of labour market• Creative activities (sports, pottery, art, drama,

singing,the guitar playing)

FINANCING

• Donations and contributions from companies, organisations, foundations, private individuals

• EU programs

• Fund raising events

• From products produced in school workshops

• Minor sum – from the students’ home municipalities

KEY TO SUCCESS

• Applied methods – complex approach

• Support to former students (mentors from business companies, practical support

• Highly motivated, devoted professional school staff

• Willingness to share their experience - growing interest from municipalities in Latvia

80% of the school former students are doing well !

They have a place to live, a job or trainee position or continue their studies.

DZIVESPRIEKS

Aizupe, Kandava district

LV-3131, Latvia

Managing Director: Liga Landisa

+371 26512524, e-mail: liga@dzivesprieks

www.dzivesprieks.lv