Youth Bridging the Gap: Let's promote social inclusion by social entrepreneurship around us.

2014, CHAPTER EXCHANGE LATVIA

“Youth bridging the gap: Let’s pro-mote social equality by social entre-preneurship around us” is a multilat-eral youth exchange project between four AFS chapters: Latvia, Iceland, Belgium and Turkey, which will take place in Latvia. It is a the third part of a long Youth Exchange planned un-der the title “Youth Bridging the Gap” that is planned to be held every six months in each of the participating countries over two years.

Chapter Exchange

The first part of this exchange cycle took place in Iceland in 2012, Septem-ber, second took place in Belgium 2013,february and now the third part will take place in Ērgļi and partly in Riga from 22nd February until the departure day 2nd March. This multilateral project will bring together 40 participants; 10 from each country, with different cultural, social and economics back-grounds, we aim to get a group as diverse as possible in order to repre-

sent as many different views as it can be and to create a common understanding and sharing responsibility for the challenges of social equali-ty and practical knowledge of social entrepreneurship. Also to create awareness of the role of initiative between youth in different levels of wealth and giving best prac-

tice examples of social entrepreneurship, which gives participants practical drive towards real actions.

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Youth in Action

All three Chapter Exchange projects so far has been a success thanks to hard work and determination of AFS volunteers who have worked on this long project since 2010 when the idea of the Chapter Exchange cycle developed. But projects never can be possible without founding which makes the dreams come true. For this chaper exchange as well as for previous exchanges we received a grant from Youth in Action programme, which allowed us to host participants from four different countries.Youth in Action programme has four main priorities which goes han in hand with our exchange project and AFS voluntary daily tasks. The first Youth in Ac-tion priority is European citizenship which focus on raising awarness in young people that they are citizens of Europe, as well as of their own country. Second Youth in Action priority is active participation of young people, with key goal to raise and promote active participation in their communities. Third priority is cultural diversity, which promotes tolerance for people’s cultural origins and background. The las but not least is inclusion. Inclusion is topic which our chapter exchange will cover the most.Young people are the ones who will be in charge of Europe’s future. We belive that regardles of what the future might bring us, it should be more socually equal and fare. This is why it is important for us to speak about social equality and to share our experience in how to make a real change around each of us. During this Chapter Exchange we will dive in the topick of social enterore-neurship as a tool to tackle social problems in our local societies as well as on the European level. 3

Prep team meeting participants

The process of planing chapter ex-change in Latvia for latvian volunteers started already during first exchange in Iceland to be ready for their turn host-ing chapter exchange in Latvia. Latvi-an volunteers gethered experience and emotions from chapter exchanges in Iceland and Belgium to make the proj-ect in Latvia unforgetable. The prep team for this exchage was put together last summer. After dis-scussions throught constructive skype meetings and emails the dates, venues topic and title were chosen and fundamentals were made for a great chaper exchange to happen. Summer and begining of autum was

spent writting application and diciding on major changes in program which will be the social projects during the stay in Latvia. The most intensive work and real preparation did started after approval of grant. The prep team meeting in Riga attended one partic-ipant and one tam leader from each country. Meet the prep team meeting participants.4

Michiel BruggemanHostcountry: I went on exchange in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2009-2010.Previous ChapEx: I’ve been in ChapEx since they start-ed this cycle. So I went to Iceland and afterwords I helped organizing the Belgian ChapEx. And now I’ll be one of the Belgian teamleaders. Ask me anything!AFS biography: I became a volunteer in 2010, after I

got back. After being a fresh for a year I became the head of coun-selors in my Chapter. Did this job for two years and nowadays I am the ChapEx teamleader and organizing the yearly quiz of my chap-ter GEO, one of the most awesome chapters in Belgium if you ask me! The reason why i am special: I’m a brazilian belgian! :D If you find me another cool one I might buy you a beer!!

Olafur Oli OlafssonHostcountry: I was in Dominican Republic during the year 08-09.Previous ChapEx? I was a participant on the first cycle Chap ex in Ice-land.AFS biography:After my AFS year, I became a volunteer and a board member for the Capital chapter. After that there was no turning point. I was a participant in most all local camps. I have both been a board member for public relations and as a coordinator of volunteers, as I am now.The reason why i am special: Because my mom says so!!!

First impression about Latvia? Beautiful country with a lot to see...If you manage to go outside because of the cold.

First impression about Latvia?If you’re able to switch off the cold feeling, you might have from time to time, a new world opens up!

Kemal Cakirgoz Hostcountry:I went on exchange Ohio/United States in 2008-2009Previous ChapEx: I had been a part of Chapex Belgium. AFS biography:After I became a volunteer, I did many many things. I’m a president in AFS Volunteer Association for 2 years in Izmir.

The reason why I am special: Because I’m awesome also I can survive in Turkey!

First impression about Latvia? It’s impossible to get lost at the Riga airport.One of the best Baltic country I’ve ever seen.I can write many thing but I’m freezing right now! Don’t forget to take your gloves 5

Martins ParpucisHostcountry: 2008 Germany - Life time in a year!Previous ChapEx: I am lucky that I had the chance to be a part in all of previous chapter exchanges in different roles.AFS biography: Right after my exchange I became an active vol-unteer in AFS Latvia and first year was colorful - I even had the chance to contribute to formation of Riga Chapter. After gaining experience I was voted as Riga chapter president and reelected twice. Now for al-mosr a year I am AFS Latvia Staff member. The reason why I am special: I am Latvian! You just don’t see them often.

First impression about Latvia: I guess I don’t really remember my first impression of Latvia, but 3 things usualy people re-member about Latvia- wearher, nature and people

Ester Osp SigurbardottirHostcountry: PeruPrevious ChapEx: Iceland and BelgiumAFS biography: Volunteer since 2005, Reykjavík Chapter board for 2 years in charge of foreign exchange students. Currently working with contact persons and in charge of support cases along with office staff.The reason why I am special: I got trampled by horses when I was a baby and now have very little balance! I was therefore the only person in my class (living in a ski town in Iceland) who could not ski (nor skate, nor skateboard e.t.c)

First impression about Latvia? The lovely peo-ple and beautiful buildings (not counting the tiny terminal at the airport

Esat Eren MatayHostcountry: BrazilPrevious ChapEx: Chapex Latvia is my second experience in Chapex history. Before Latvia, I was in Belgium for the Chapex. It made me so happy and It was quite lucrative for my future and team working skills therefore I wanted to come to Latvia for the Chapex one more time.AFS biography: My afs experience started in 2008 december when I applied to afs for going for an exchange year. Then every-

thing went great hence there was I! I was in Brazil. Time there went so fast like a blink in eye. It was the most beautiful and greatest year in my life. After I returned I started to work as a volunteer in Afs such as a volunteer in Sending and Hosting. Right now I am working with Afs Hosting and I am so happy that I am still a volunteer!The reason why I am special: I had this experience which can not be given to everybody. I had this chance to have an unforgettable year and in this experience I had the chance to gain communication skills! These are the most obvious reasons that I feel myself special.6

Jelena IsajevaHostcountry: Japan;Previous ChapEX: Iceland;AFS biography: I’ve been through all volunteer roles from 2007. Hosted one year programm and two short program stu-dents, have been a contact person for 3 students. Now I am an EFIL trainer..The reason why I am special:I like to make people think.

My first impression about Latvia? I really cannot recall my first impression about Latvia as it was 24 years ago.

Yannick De SchaepmeesterHostcountry: I went on exchange to Bolivia, Santa Cruz in 2008-2009.Previous ChapEx: My first experience with Chapex was the Chapter Exchange in Iceland of the previous cycle with the coun-tries of Iceland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Belgium. Afterwards we started up new cycle with Iceland, Latvia, Turkey and Belgium. During this cycle I’ve participated in the one in Iceland and Belgium.

AFS biography : I started out as a volunteer in 2009 in my local chapter. I have done a lot of things up till now. After 5 years I am still active on local level, Im active on national level with hosting activities. Also on European level I recently joined the Epot and I hope to see you soon in Latvia!The reason why I am special?: Thats for you to find out during the chapter exchange in Latvia!!!

First impression about Latvia? OMG! I have never seen a froozen sea before!

Oh my god, It was so cold! But not the people! I had this stereotype about Baltic countries but it has changed forev-er. I thought they would be so cold as Latvias weather but actually, it is the opposite of the weather.Latvian people is quite warm and They are reasonable as well. I hope we will have a great time there.

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Fun facts

As in previous chapter exchanges the prep team meeting participants were asked a question regarding two famous movie stars. This time they were asked to pick teams be-tween Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp. This is what what the outcome is...

Leonardo DiCaprioJohnny Depp

Acting a drunk pirate role, I think, is very difficult role to act!

Both together...in a bublebath.

DiCaprio baby!!!

Didn’t you see the Wolf of Wallstreet!

Come on who can pick Leonardo after Titanic?

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The Mascotte

Hi Everybody! For those who don’t know me yet, I am Kex Icebelturlat. I am born in Ice-land. Where I had my first AFS experience during this thing called Chapter Exchange! After the Chapex I went to Belgium to give mental support for those volunteers who were organizing chapex in Belgium. Belgium was a little bit cold so I moved to Turkey! I had such a nice time overthere but I missed Belgium so I went back for a while. I even got invited to attend the Volunteer Summer Summit PREPmeeting in Bosnia! I really love traveling! As the mascotte of Chapter Exchange I have my responsibilities! That is why I am living in Latvia now! To support the whole Latvian team who are doing a great job in organizing this chapter exchange here in Riga. Latvia is a little bit cold but I don’t mind becaus I love it so much here! I love to hang out in the old town! You should look for the black cat of Riga! He is really fun to play with. I just hope to meet Johnny Dep here... I feel like eating a parrot for dinner... So hopefully I meet him. If I don’t I’ll still be very happy to meet all of you! Huggs...

9Excited to meet you all in Latvia!

2014, CHAPTER EXCHANGE LATVIA