In support of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine in the fight against the war waged by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, the Latvian State Police in cooperation with the Latvian Youth Guard Centre and the charity organization “Ziedot.lv” are organizing a health camp for 24 children from Ukraine whose parents are police officers who have been killed or injured in the war on Ukrainian territory.
Yesterday, on 24 October, the opening event of the camp took place, attended by the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Latvia Kristaps Eklons, the Chief of the State Police Armands Ruks, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia Olexandr Mischenko, representatives of the Latvian Youth Guard Centre, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of the Interior Health and Sports Centre, as well as 16 youth guards who will participate in various activities together with the camp participants until 28 October, introducing them to Latvia, its history and culture to make children from Ukraine feel homely and comfortable.
At the opening ceremony of the camp, Minister of the Interior Kristaps Eklons expressed his wish for the children to have good emotions and to be inspired in their choice of a noble profession: “We are very happy to welcome our Ukrainian friends to Latvia today. We understand that your everyday life is not as bright and joyful as you deserve. We have the opportunity to help you a little at this moment, to let you feel safe, beautiful and joyful again. These days, you will also be accompanied by brave young rangers, policemen, firefighters, rescue workers and border guards. This camp might not only bring you some positive emotions, but also the desire to pursue a future in a profession as noble and courageous as the one your parents chose. I hope that in a few years we will meet here in Latvia, and I am sure that soon we will be able to visit your dear Ukraine.”
“There are no foreign children - you, Ukrainian youth and children, are as dear and important to us as our Latvian children. We have been with you in our hearts and minds all this time, and today we are proud to welcome you to Latvia. Recently, I had the honour to visit Ukraine on its Independence Day, where, despite the difficult situation, the police chiefs of the Baltic States were warmly welcomed and received. We want to give you that warmth too, so we will do our best to make these days in Latvia peaceful and filled with only positive emotions. The future of Ukraine is also in your hands. I can see the strength in your eyes, just like your parents who are now fighting bravely for their country and its independence. Glory to Ukraine,” said Armands Ruks, Chief of the State Police, at the opening ceremony.
During his speech, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia thanked Latvia and the people of Latvia who have been helping Ukraine not only materially but also morally in its fight against the aggression of the Russian Federation. He invited the camp participants to make use of the opportunities provided by the camp and to learn new skills together with the youth guards who will be by their side throughout the camp.
The camp participants are aged between 12 and 16 and come from different regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Sumy, Chernihiv and other places in Ukraine. The State Police, in cooperation with colleagues from other institutions, have organized various activities for the camp participants. The children will learn about Latvian culture and history, go on excursions to different Latvian cities, visit State Police cytologists and service dogs, visit a water park, museums, take part in a photo orienteering game and other activities.
The State Police would like to express its gratitude to the involved services, institutions and other cooperation partners of the Ministries of the Interior and Defence for their support in organizing the camp.
Prepared by:
Diāna Lūkina
State Police
Public Relations Department
Senior Specialist
Tel. 67829482, Mob. 29372665
diana.lukina@vp.gov.lv