The First Implementation Period of the “Step by Step Forward” Project has been Concluded
On 19th August, 2013 the “Association for Latvian Children with Physical Disabilities” concluded the agreement No 2012.EEZ/DAP/MAC/110/2/R/036 with the Society Integration Fund on the implementation of the „Step by Step Forward” project No 2012.EEZ/DAP/MAC/110 within the frames of the financial instrument “NVO” funds of the European Economic Zone.
Starting from August 2013 we have been active participants in different work and discussion groups in state and municipal institutions to protect observation of the human rights of children and youth with disabilities. We have met other associations and NGOs in Riga as well as in the regions of Latvia and provided for a mutual exchange of experience and a discussion on the topical issues involving the most topical needs of the target group therefore strengthening not only ours but other associations’ capacity as well. In addition we have developed a discussion with higher level institutions on the most topical inclusive education issues and taken the first step by proposing separate legislative changes. Considering the main priority of the Association is helping the children with movement disabilities we have been active actors in attracting additional funds in order to be able to provide at least a little help to those who need it most.
We have as well organised the “September Celebration” event in which children and youth could participate in a range of various activities therefore promoting mutual communication and understanding from the society. We have become acquainted with and admitted new members who currently help the Association as volunteers.
Thanks to the Project it has been possible for the Society to
purchase new equipment that has provided for a considerable
improvement of the daily work with the target group. The new
video-observation system is used for the time when children do
exercises together with an expert to give parents the possibility
not to be present but follow the exercise time from another room
thus allowing a child to be more independent.
We are glad that thanks to the financial support of the European
Economic Zone we have the possibility to continue implementation of
the “Step by Step Forward” project next year since the Association
has many goals that we would like to reach in order to provide
observation of human rights of children and youth with movement
disabilities so that the society integration process could take
place in a more successful way.
The Project is financially supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Program is financed from the financial instrument of the European Economic Zone and the Latvian state.
The maximum co-financing of the program is 90% from its total costs or 42168, 24 LVL. In its turn for the implementation of the Action Plan 2013 the amount is 7085, 53 LVL (90% of the financing of the Program being allocated from the financial instrument of the European Economic Zone and from the Latvian State and 10% being co-financed by the “Association for Latvian Children with Physical Disabilities”).
Additional information on the Program is available at: www.eeagrants.org; www.eeagrants.lv; www.sif.lv
For more details regarding the Project please contact: Dana Dūda-Čača, phone: +371 67240042, e-mail: dana.dudacaca@projekti.lv.