The work is done on multiple levels with a special focus on putting families first. We believe that the family is the most natural and best environment for children to grow and thrive. Thus we work to strengthen families. We want to give them - often single mothers - tools and opportunities to keep their children at home. They must also have confidence and power to be able to give children the support and encouragement they need to one day stand on their own. Families need a place to meet for love, knowledge, respect, exchange experiences, encourage each other and organize. Star of Hope supports the formation of parent groups that meet regularly, all year round and in summer camps. The parent group motivates parents to organize and take responsibility for the care and future development of their child. They are asked to let the children participate in some form of daily activity, preschool, school, special school or day center.
Star of Hope also, for example, provides support for daytime activities for children with special needs and parents groups. Through Nordic occupational therapists, physical therapists, specialist teachers and others, we provide transfer of knowledge to the Latvian health professionals and authorities and government agencies. Frequently, and in many areas, this has changed their way of working.
The goal of this work is to improve the lives of children by giving them a place where they are treated with love, knowledge and respect. We also like to inform the parents of the rights they should expect work to change attitudes of health professionals, politicians and society at large towards children with special needs. The sight of these children has long been characterized by the notion that people with special needs cannot contribute to society and therefore that they are inferior. And for that reason they have been placed in institutions where they have not had any opportunity to develop as human beings and live full lives.
Star of Hope supports activities that encourages the children learn to use their body, to meet other children, to practice speaking and participate in gymnastics. They also learn how to use their hands to do modeling, needlework and more.
Star of Hope day centers exist for older children. The goal of the work is for young people to learn to take care of themselves and find their place in life. They will learn different types of jobs; pottery, weaving, tailoring, shoemaking and furniture making. Together they go on excursions, arrange meetings and learn to communicate with each other. They also learn to get on the bus, shop and socialize with other people and become familiar with the town by going out and doing things. Just a few years ago all of these things were quite impossible.
