Lauderi I

CODE: YS-2025-02

Work:

Project Overview: "Youth for Smile" in partnership with a local NGO is set to breathe new life into the dormant former orphanage of Lauderi village, turning it into a bustling hub for non-formal education. Volunteers like you are the heart of this transformation, playing a key role in revitalizing both the building and its surroundings. This picturesque village serves as the perfect canvas for your energy and creativity to foster learning and community engagement.
Your Impact:
Revitalize the Park: Work alongside fellow volunteers to clean, landscape, and beautify the park area around the orphanage, creating an inviting outdoor space for future educational activities.
Interior Makeover: Roll up your sleeves to clear out old furnishings and debris, setting the stage for a fresh, vibrant learning environment.
Build Community Connections: Your efforts will bridge connections with local residents, fostering a collaborative spirit essential for the center’s future success.

Accomodation and food

Accommodation & Food:
Rustic Charm: Experience authentic rural life staying in an organization house close to the project site, with beds provided for a comfortable rest.
Self-Catering Fun: Engage in communal cooking in our simple yet equipped kitchen. It’s a great chance to bond with your team and perhaps whip up some international dishes!
International Evenings: Bring a piece of your home country to share during our cultural nights, making each meal a global adventure.

Location and leisure

Explore and Engage:
Cultural Richness: Located in the scenic Ludza municipality, Lauderi is a gateway to exploring Eastern Latvia's lush landscapes and rich history. Take cultural excursions during your downtime, visit historical sites, or simply soak in the tranquility of the countryside.
Community Interaction: Small village life means you’ll get to know the locals and immerse yourself in their traditions and daily activities.
Beyond the Village: Discover more about Latvia and its hidden gems through Latvia's official tourism site - https://www.latvia.travel/en.

Project hosted by

Founded in 2005, Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile is an energetic non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young people in the Bauska region and beyond. At the heart of our mission, we are a values-driven community committed to empowering youth to innovate, share experiences, and foster a sense of togetherness.

Our Vision: Empowering Youth, Enriching Communities

Create: We ignite local and international projects that open doors for learning, participation, and self-expression in safe, nurturing environments.

Experience: We offer dynamic experiences that are both local and global in scope, designed to enhance personal development and prepare young people for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

Be Together: We are dedicated to building a vibrant community where young people can develop essential competencies that contribute to the growth and vitality of their local communities.

Our Impact: From sparking youth-led initiatives to providing enriching educational opportunities through non-formal settings, our work is centered around fostering intellectual and creative growth. We ensure that young individuals enjoy their leisure constructively, gain access to critical developmental resources, and acquire life skills that are integral to lifelong success.

Join Us: Our community thrives on the contributions, energies, and passion of our members, ranging from children to young adults aged 7-30. We sustain our impactful programs through memberships, contributions, and significant grants from prestigious sources such as Erasmus+ programs, European Solidarity Corps, and State youth programs.

Embark on a journey with Jaunatne smaidam / Youth for Smile—where you create, experience, and connect in meaningful ways. Together, let’s smile, share, and inspire!

Directions to meeting point

Meeting and Coordination:
Arrival Points: Fly into Riga International Airport or arrive by bus and head to our meeting point at Zilupe train station.
Stay Connected: Keep us updated about your arrival details to ensure a smooth welcome!

Additional comments