The competition “The most family-friendly municipality 2022” was won this year by the municipality of Ropaži region, winning a cash prize of 30,000 euros.
The competition “The most family-friendly municipality 2022” was won this year by the municipality of Ropaži region, winning a cash prize of 30,000 euros.
At the solemn ceremony, which was organized by the Society Integration Foundation (SIF), the first deputy chairperson of the Ropažu County Council, Ainārs Vaičulens, expressed his joy at the received award and the high evaluation of the residents.
In order to strengthen support for families, the municipality ensures the activity of the educational support group “Family Strength”, where various lessons are available to the residents of the district.
Every year, the municipality pays a Christmas allowance to large families, children with special needs, or those who have lost their breadwinner, as well as other target groups, allocating a total of more than 30,000 euros.
In order to assess and reduce social exclusion among young people, an inter-institutional cooperation group for the support of young people and children operates in the county, while taking care of infrastructure development, the municipality has built a multifunctional bicycle track in Zaķumuiža, a new stadium in the Ropaži Sports Center, as well as a pedestrian and bicycle path in Ulbroka – Dreiliņi for the convenience of the residents. The rating of the residents of Latvia for the municipality of Ropaži region in the five-point system is 4.45.
The municipality of Kuldīga county was recognized as the most family-friendly municipality in the Kurzeme planning region, and was honored with 20,000 euros. In the municipality, in addition to accessible education and financial support for families, residents especially value free lunch for students up to the 12th grade, as well as a safe and pleasant environment for families. Taking care of the older generation, a Senior School was established in the Kuldīga district, which helps the residents of the district to participate in social activities without losing their skills and abilities. The municipality also pays great attention to active recreation and its availability. In Kuldīgas county, everyone can use the municipal swimming pool at an affordable price.
The municipality of Ludza district was recognized as the most family-friendly municipality in the planning region of Latgale, which also received 20,000 euros. One of the voluntary initiatives of the municipality is the care of the most vulnerable groups of society – families with many children, as well as those raising children with special needs. These families are granted benefits without income assessment.
Parents also appreciate the free lunches provided by the municipality for every child and student up to the 9th grade, free education of interest and recreational opportunities available in the county. The municipality also invests funds in the improvement of degraded areas and the improvement of infrastructure, promoting the development of woodworking companies.
Sigulda municipality was recognized as the most family-friendly municipality in the Riga planning region, and was honored with 20,000 euros. The county has a wide range of all kinds of educational institutions, a clean environment and diverse sports infrastructure. Taking care of new families, a modern maternity ward has been established in Sigulda.
Thinking about the well-being of local residents, the municipality has also organized Health Days. Residents value not only free meals in educational institutions, but also the Sigulda ID card, which gives various benefits and discounts in local businesses, including the opportunity for students to travel by bus within the district for free.
In the Vidzeme planning region, the municipality of Madona county was recognized as the most family-friendly municipality, awarding it 20,000 euros. There are wide educational opportunities available in Madona county, from preschool to university. The municipality provides both free meals in educational institutions and free transport for students, as well as free interests education, as well as the opportunity for young specialists to get scholarships and tuition fee concessions, choosing vocational education.
The municipality also ensures the operation of the Children and Youth Center free of charge and provides support in the social field, thinking not only about children and young families, but also about seniors. Recreation and entertainment opportunities are available in the sports and recreation base “Smeceres sils” developed by the municipality, which is used by both adults and children.
The municipality of Jēkabpils district was recognized as the most family-friendly municipality in the Zemgale planning region, and was honored with 20,000 euros. The municipality has not only natural objects and recreation areas, but also extensive sports infrastructure. Children and young people have various opportunities to develop their talents in sports and music, as well as in art and other fields.
Residents appreciate the wide network of pre-school educational institutions available in the region, support for school meals, paid transportation for taking students to kindergarten or school, as well as Christmas gifts for children.
The honor of the most family-friendly municipality and 5,000 euros was awarded to the municipality of Balvu district, while the municipality of Saldus district won the nomination “Participation and involvement of residents in the work of the municipality” and also received 5,000 euros.
The municipality of Jelgava region received 5000 euros and was honored in the nomination “Cooperation with non-governmental organizations”, the municipality of Cēsi region received 5000 euros and won the nomination “Remigration”.
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