**Committee on Education, Culture, and Social Affairs: Strategies for Enhancing Societal Engagement**

Daugavpils Municipal Council Committee Meeting Set for December 4,2025

Daugavpils,Latvia – The Education,Culture and Social Issues Committee of the Daugavpils Municipal Council will convene on December 4,2025,at 11:00 a.m.in the City Council meeting hall located at 1 Krišjāņa Valdemāra street, Daugavpils.

The meeting agenda, last updated on December 2, 2025, at 12:16, includes several key items:

* Approval of Regulations: Consideration of the regulation “Regulation on the procedure for non-governmental organizations to submit applications for project co-financing.” Reporter: I.Samarina, Head of the Interaction, Tourism and administrative Support Department of Daugavpils municipality Central Administration.

* donation Acceptance: A request for permission to accept a donation. Reporter: I. Paura, Daugavpils Technological High School-Lyceum director.

* Price List Amendments: Discussions regarding amendments to the price list of paid services for the municipality of Daugavpils “Vienības nams.” reporter: D. Soldāne, head of the “Vienības nams” municipal institution of Daugavpils state city.

* Entrance Fee Procedure: Approval of the procedure for determining the entrance fee for events organized by municipal authorities of Daugavpils. Reporter: D. Soldāne, head of the “Vienības nams” municipal institution of Daugavpils state city.

* Latgales Zoo Price List: Amendments to the price list of fee-based services of the municipality of Daugavpils “Latgales Zoo.” Reporter: M. Pupiņš, head of the “Latgales zoo” municipal institution of Daugavpils state city.

* athlete Prize: Awarding a cash prize to an athlete and her coach from the municipal basic budget program “Expenses for unforeseen events.” Reporter: I. Lagodskis, head of the sports department of the Daugavpils State City Municipal Institution “Youth Affairs and Sports Administration.”

* Project Support: Support for the participation of the Daugavpils municipal institution “Social Service” in project no.4.3.6.5/1/24/I/001 “Support measures for children with behavioral or addiction problems and their families.” Reporter: I. Lagodskis, head of the sports department of the Daugavpils State City Municipal Institution “Youth Affairs and Sports Administration.”

* Leased Premises Transfer: Discussion on the transfer of leased residential premises belonging to the municipality for expropriation.

The public is welcome to attend the meeting.

How can the Committee assess the effectiveness of civic education reforms in demonstrably improving voter turnout among young adults?

Understanding the Core Challenge: Civic participation & Social Cohesion

The Committee on education, Culture, and Social Affairs (frequently enough operating within parliamentary or governmental structures) plays a pivotal role in fostering a thriving society. A key component of this is societal engagement – the active involvement of citizens in shaping their communities and influencing policy. Declining civic participation, increasing social fragmentation, and a growing distrust in institutions are important challenges facing many nations. Effective strategies must address these issues head-on. This requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing educational reform, cultural initiatives, and targeted social programs. Keywords: civic engagement, social cohesion, community involvement, citizen participation, public policy.

Leveraging Education for Active Citizenship

Education is arguably the most powerful tool for cultivating engaged citizens. Though,customary curricula frequently enough fall short in preparing individuals for active participation in democratic processes.

* Civic Education Reform: Moving beyond rote memorization of governmental structures to focus on practical skills like critical thinking, media literacy, and constructive dialog. This includes understanding the legislative process, analyzing policy proposals, and engaging in respectful debate.

* Promoting Service Learning: Integrating community service into the educational experience. This allows students to apply classroom learning to real-world problems, fostering a sense of duty and empathy. Examples include volunteering at local non-profits, participating in environmental restoration projects, or assisting with voter registration drives.

* Digital Citizenship Education: equipping students with the skills to navigate the digital landscape responsibly and effectively. This includes understanding online safety, combating misinformation, and utilizing digital tools for civic engagement. Digital literacy is crucial in the modern era.

* Lifelong Learning Initiatives: Expanding access to adult education programs focused on civic engagement, cultural awareness, and social responsibility.

Cultural Initiatives: Building Bridges & Fostering Identity

Culture plays a vital role in shaping societal values and promoting social cohesion. The committee can champion initiatives that celebrate diversity,foster intercultural understanding,and strengthen community bonds.

* Supporting arts & Heritage: Investing in arts organizations, museums, and cultural heritage sites. These institutions provide platforms for artistic expression, historical preservation, and community gathering.

* Promoting Intercultural Dialogue: Facilitating programs that bring together people from different cultural backgrounds to share experiences, build relationships, and challenge stereotypes. This can include language exchange programs,cultural festivals,and community workshops.

* Preserving and Promoting Linguistic Diversity: Recognizing the importance of linguistic diversity as a cornerstone of cultural identity. Supporting initiatives that promote multilingualism and protect endangered languages.

* Utilizing Public Spaces: Transforming public spaces – parks, libraries, community centers – into vibrant hubs for social interaction and cultural expression.

Targeted Social Programs: Addressing Inequality & Promoting Inclusion

Societal engagement is frequently enough hampered by social and economic inequalities. Targeted social programs can help address these barriers and create a more inclusive society.

* Investing in Early Childhood Advancement: Providing access to high-quality early childhood education and care. This lays the foundation for future success and promotes social mobility.

* Supporting Vulnerable Groups: Implementing programs that address the specific needs of marginalized communities, such as refugees, immigrants, people with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty.

* Promoting Social Entrepreneurship: Encouraging the development of social enterprises that address social and environmental challenges.

* Strengthening social safety Nets: Ensuring access to essential services such as healthcare, housing, and unemployment benefits. Social welfare programs are vital for a healthy society.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Engagement

Technology offers powerful tools for enhancing societal engagement, but it also presents challenges.

* E-Participation Platforms: Developing online platforms that allow citizens to participate in policy-making processes, provide feedback on government initiatives, and engage in online discussions.

* Open Data Initiatives: Making government data publicly available to promote transparency and accountability.

* Combating Disinformation: Investing in media literacy programs and working with social media companies to combat the spread of false data.

* Bridging the Digital divide: Ensuring that all citizens have access to affordable internet and digital devices. Digital inclusion is paramount.

Case Study: The Finnish Model of Civic Education

Finland consistently ranks high in measures of civic engagement and social trust.Their success is frequently enough attributed to a strong emphasis on civic education in schools, which focuses on critical thinking, democratic values, and active participation. The Finnish curriculum emphasizes student-lead projects and real-world problem-solving, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility. This model demonstrates the long-term benefits of investing in extensive civic education.

Measuring Success: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

To effectively evaluate the impact of societal engagement strategies, the Committee should track key performance indicators, including:

1. voter Turnout: A fundamental measure of civic participation.
2. Volunteer Rates: Reflecting the level of community involvement.
3. Trust in Institutions: Gauging public confidence in government and other organizations.
4. levels of Social Cohesion: Assessing the strength of community bonds.
5. Participation in Public Consultations: Measuring citizen engagement in policy-making.
6. **Media literacy Rates