The project, in cooperation with the UN Refugee Agency, enabled the provision of assistance and support to beneficiaries of international protection, cooperation with the public and non-governmental sectors, and the search for constructive and sustainable solutions for integration.

“I Want to Help Refugees” with the support of the Society Integration Foundation, implemented a project that enabled the creation and coordination of an active team of volunteers, raised awareness on the issues faced by beneficiaries of international protection, as well as promoted interaction between the local community and beneficiaries of international protection.

In response to the negative public perception asylum seekers and refugees, as evidenced by various statistical data, from March to November 2018, “I Want to Help Refugees” implemented the “Bēgļu kurpēs”(“In the shoes of refugees”) project. Its authors Anna Audere and Ieva Grundsteina visited schools in Riga and conducted an educational programme and a simulation game for pupils about the circumstances of leaving one’s homeland, crossing national borders and giving a new meaning to one’s life in a strange place. The project “Bēgļu kurpēs” aimed to reduce stereotypes among young people about asylum seekers and refugees who are subject to intolerance and discrimination and to promote tolerance.

The project organised 8 “Living Libraries”, which gave newcomers the opportunity to meet with the citizens of Riga and learn about each other without the media.