On 11 May, 2025, the NGO “HVARAN”, in collaboration with the Latgale Taekwondo Centre “Jitai”, conducted the third intervention of the case study Together We Rise as a part of the “Horizon Europe” programme project “The Cultural Literacies’ Value in Europe” (CLiViE) to see its impact on children’s engagement. 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 involves children aged 10 to 13 from the Latgale Taekwondo Centre “Jitai,” who participate in various activities designed to promote cultural literacy while deepening their intercultural understanding and identity development through sport, teamwork, and open dialogue.

On Mother’s Day, 11 April, children enjoyed a vibrant day of engaging activities within the historic fortress grounds of Daugavpils Fortress, just steps from the Rothko Museum. The fortress is a space where the city’s dynamic present meets its rich past. Preserved in its original form, it inspires new generations to connect with their heritage through thoughtful development.

The programme began with energetic sports sessions designed to develop speed, coordination, and explosive strength – an exciting way to engage young participants physically and mentally. Afterwards, the children could relax and play at the fortress’s on-site playground.

The day’s highlight came with an interactive guided tour led by guest historian, Sergejs Bogatkevičs. The children were taken on a journey through the city’s rich history, exploring the cultural and strategic significance of the Daugava River and the vital role the fortress has played in shaping Daugavpils’ identity. The tour was particularly meaningful, coming just ahead of the city’s 750th anniversary. As part of their exploration, the children ventured into the fortress’s hidden passageways, characterised by thick stones and dimly lit chambers that today are known to attract large bat populations. This mysterious and atmospheric environment added a sense of adventure and ecological curiosity to the day’s discoveries.  

The event concluded with a warm tea break, during which the children were encouraged to think about personalised greetings for their mothers and grandmothers. This brought a heartfelt, creative close to the celebration.

Families, including parents and younger siblings, joined the day’s activities, reinforcing a sense of community, shared learning, and intergenerational connection. A reflective discussion on the power of tradition also took place, encouraging participants to consider how cultural heritage brings generations together and helps shape individual and collective identity. This Mother’s Day event at Daugavpils Fortress not only honoured family ties but also deepened participants’ understanding of local identity, history, and the importance of preserving cultural memory.

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