On the day before Europe Day, May 8, a forest restoration event took place in Eimuri, Ādaži Municipality, organized by the Ministry of Welfare in cooperation with the multifunctional service center “Ādažu Ūdensroze.”
Alongside representatives from the Ministry of Welfare, the European Commission Representation in Latvia, and Ādaži Municipality, local residents also took part in the event, including young people from the floorball club “FBK SĀC” as well as clients from the “Ādažu Ūdensroze” day care center and the specialized workshops in Carnikava. Working side by side, over 6000 pine saplings were planted across nearly two hectares — fostering not only environmental renewal, but also equality and compassion.
With the support of European Union funds, deinstitutionalization projects overseen by the Ministry of Welfare are being implemented throughout Latvia. These projects provide people at high risk of social exclusion with access to professional support as close to their home as possible, helping to build essential skills and strengthen their confidence in being part of society.
The multifunctional service center “Ādažu Ūdensroze” in Ādaži and the specialized workshops in Carnikava have both been established within the framework of these EU-funded projects.
For more than two years, the day care center in Ādaži has provided people with mental disabilities the opportunity to improve their quality of life by learning new social and self-care skills, practicing various abilities, and supporting physical wellbeing.
Since last summer, the specialized workshops in Carnikava have also enabled people with mental disabilities to gain skills relevant to the labor market through home economics and handicraft sessions.
The goal of this event was not only to contribute to environmental restoration, but also to promote the inclusion of people with mental disabilities in society — because each of us wants to be accepted, and each of us is valuable.
From a pine plant to an inclusive society
