Since 1 September, students across Latvia have had new opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting – through practical and engaging activities closely connected to real life. The project “STEM and Civic Engagement Activities for a Broader Educational Experience and Career Choice”, implemented by the State Education Development Agency (VIAA), offers schools a wide range of activities that help students better understand both the application of science and technology and their own role in society.
One of these civic engagement activities is delivered by the association “LATVIJAS PIRMĀS PALĪDZĪBAS VIENĪBA” (Latvian First Aid Unit), where children learn how to act in crisis situations.
“We want children to feel that if something happens, they are not powerless. Children very quickly understand that first aid is not something abstract – it’s about them, their families and the people around them,” emphasises Inita Bišofa, founder of the Latvian First Aid Unit.
During the sessions, children practise not only providing first aid but also discuss potential dangers in everyday situations – on the water, on the street, at home or at school. They learn to recognise risks, understand their responsibility and remain calm even when no adults are nearby.
Learning Through Practice
Inita Bišofa previously worked as a teacher, and it was her experience with children that inspired her to establish an organisation combining pedagogy with practical life skills.
“Practice is essential. When a child does something with their own hands, they suddenly realise – I can help. That moment stays with them for life and becomes a great source of confidence in any crisis situation,” she explains.
The content of the sessions is carefully adapted to different age groups – from preschool children to upper secondary students – taking into account their abilities, level of understanding and everyday experience.
Work with the youngest participants is led by Silva Sējēja, who emphasises the importance of play and a safe learning environment:
“With preschool children, we approach everyday situations through play. We talk about how to notice when someone is unwell, how to ask ‘How are you feeling?’ and how to seek help from an adult.”
Children learn, for example, why gloves should be worn when treating a wound, what to do if someone gets hurt and why it is important not to be afraid to say that something hurts. These seemingly simple actions form the foundation for a sense of safety, a culture of mutual trust and empathy.
Acting in Real Emergencies
With older students, greater emphasis is placed on responding in real-life emergencies. These sessions are led by Andris Bišofs, a medical professional and physician assistant with many years of first aid experience.
“I always tell children – the most important thing is not to be afraid of making mistakes. If you are the only one who stepped forward and tried to help, that is already a huge step. You didn’t just walk past,” he says.
Students learn how to call emergency services, how to speak to the dispatcher, how to place an injured person in the recovery position and what to do while waiting for help to arrive.
Often, it is the simplest knowledge that proves decisive in a crisis. According to Andris Bišofs, it starts with seemingly basic things: knowing how to call emergency services and being able to name not only your own home address but also your grandparents’ address if you are staying there.
“We teach children not only to call 112, but also how to speak to the dispatcher – calmly explain what has happened and where they are,” he explains.
The importance of this knowledge is illustrated by a real-life case widely covered in the media: grandchildren visiting their grandmother were able to call emergency services when she could no longer do so herself. Their timely action helped prevent more serious consequences, and the situation ended well.
“In moments like that, you realise that even one correct action can mean a great deal,” Andris Bišofs emphasises.
Civic Engagement in Practice
The sessions leave a strong impression on children, not least because professional equipment is used – mannequins, first aid kits, thermal blankets and even a real ambulance vehicle.
“It’s important for children not only to see but also to try things with their own hands. This isn’t a dry lecture with slides – they act, think and ask questions themselves,” says Andris Bišofs.
This practical experience is often what remains in memory the longest.
The First Aid Unit’s activities are also a vivid example of civic engagement in action.
“We talk not only about how to help yourself, but also about the fact that we live in a society. There are other people around us whom we must know how to care for,” emphasises Inita Bišofa.
This approach closely aligns with the project’s goal of fostering responsible and engaged young people who understand their role within the community.
Broadening Educational Experience
The project “STEM and Civic Engagement Activities for a Broader Educational Experience and Career Choice” is supported by European Union funds and implemented by the State Education Development Agency (VIAA).
In the 2025/2026 academic year, each student will receive funding to attend two such activities, choosing from 480 different options across Latvia. The project aims to diversify learning experiences, strengthen the link between knowledge and real life, and enhance students’ understanding of labour market requirements.
These activities help students not only acquire new knowledge but also understand how it translates into practical solutions, how decisions are made, and how everyone can actively participate in society.
This story was produced with the support of the European Union Funds.
