On 18 April, 2025, the NGO “HVARAN”, in collaboration with the Latgale Taekwondo Centre “Jitai”, conducted the second intervention of 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.

On the eve of Holy Easter, the second intervention of our case study took place as an engaging outdoor activity at the stadium on Holly Hill (also known locally as Church Hill) in Varšavas Street in Daugavpils. This remarkable site, where four cathedrals of different faiths stand side by side, beautifully embodies Daugavpils’ storied cultural and religious tapestry. Under clear spring skies, our young participants were led on an illuminating journey through the Hill’s past, beginning with an illustrated talk that vividly brought the site’s evolution and significance to life. Each child received a handout, outlining key dates, architectural highlights and the Hill’s role in the city’s narrative. Armed with these materials, they were then invited to express their understanding through creativity, capturing the cathedrals, landscape and atmosphere as they saw it.

The combination of physical activity, close observation and hands-on participation enabled the children not only to master the historical memory of their city but also to develop a deeper respect for the diversity of faiths and cultures that coexist here. Remarkably, the inclusive nature of the workshop drew in several local children who had been playing at the stadium independently; they too joined in with enthusiasm, demonstrating the universal appeal of learning through experience. The first stage of the project was launched on the basis of “Jitai,” and the current activity continues this path: We Rise Together through knowledge, cooperation, and shared values.

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