On 3 April, 2025, the NGO “HVARAN”, in collaboration with the Latgale Taekwondo Centre “Jitai”, launched the case study Together We Rise as a part of the “Horizon Europe” programme project “The Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE). The project aims to support young people in exploring their sense of identity, fostering social coherence, and developing a stronger sense of belonging. It also encourages reflection on the multiple layers of identity and their implications for managing relationships with others.

The case study engages children aged 10 to 13 from the Latgale Taekwondo Centre “Jitai” who will take part in a variety of activities designed to promote cultural literacy while deepening their intercultural understanding and identity development through sport, teamwork, and open dialogue.

At the event on 4 April, Boriss Ivanovs, head of “HVARAN” and chief coach at the Latgale Taekwondo Centre, together with Irina Presņakova, senior lecturer at Daugavpils University and researcher for the CLiViE project, introduced participants to the project’s objectives and overall scope.

Throughout the session, the young athletes engaged in structured icebreaker and team-building activities designed to build trust, encourage mutual support, and foster a sense of community. As part of their first research task, they also completed anonymous questionnaires, sharing insights into their cultural practices and experiences with sports and cultural events. While some found the task initially challenging, the supportive and welcoming environment helped everyone feel comfortable and engaged. To open and close the session, the children were invited to share their emotions by contributing to a symbolic “Board of Emotions”, creating a shared memory and emotional reflection of their first experience with the project.

To evaluate the effectiveness of arts-based education and determine its relevance and economic benefits, the “Horizon Europe” programme project “The Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” envisages implementing four case studies. These will involve cooperation between researchers from Daugavpils University and both formal and informal education establishments, as well as consultations with the project’s official partners from European universities and cultural institutions. Cooperation with the cultural industries adds value to the project, while the involvement of children and youth in project activities will enhance their cultural literacy, foster personal development, encourage positive engagement, and promote tolerance, equality, and inclusion within the cultural space of Latvia and Europe.

CLiViE project’s website: https://www.clivieproject.eu

The project has received funding from the European Union’s “Horizon Europe” Research and Innovation programme under the grant agreement No. 101132285.

Further information about the case study:
Senior Lecturer and Researcher at Daugavpils University
Irina Presņakova
irina.presnakova@du.lv

Further information about the project:
Associate Professor and Lead Researcher at Daugavpils University
Alīna Romanovska
alina.romanovska@du.lv