On September 2–5, our team joined the first exchange visit of our Nordic Council of Ministers–funded mobility project, traveling to Liepāja, Latvia, to meet our partners at Radi Vidi Pats. This inspiring organization works extensively in prison volunteering and community initiatives. Together, we explored their approach to rehabilitation and social reintegration, beginning with an in-depth visit to Liepāja Prison. We met the dedicated resocialization staff, learned about daily life inside the facility, and gained insight into the opportunities and activities available to inmates as part of their path toward reintegration.

A separate visit to the Liepāja Probation Agency provided another valuable perspective. There we learned about the agency’s volunteer coordination practices and the Victim–Offender Mediation tool they apply in their work. Meeting probation specialists offered a closer look at their daily responsibilities and the challenges of supporting individuals on their way back to the community.

One of the most memorable moments of the trip was a creative workshop held inside the prison, led by our host Linda from Radi Vidi Pats. Together with inmates, we co-created poems, exchanged reflections, and engaged in interactive activities that fostered dialogue and connection. Throughout the visit we also shared experiences from our own countries, discussed common challenges, and explored opportunities for future cooperation beyond this project.

We are grateful to the Nordic Council of Ministers for making this exchange possible and for supporting collaboration among partners in Latvia, Sweden, and our team. This first visit set a strong foundation for continued learning and partnership in the months ahead. #NBNGOprogram