From November 20 to 22, 2024, the international “Train the Trainers” meeting of the European MAMA RISE project took place in Riga, Latvia. MAMA RISE is an Erasmus+ initiative that aims to empower mothers in vulnerable situations through adult education. Organized by the Latvian organization Creative Ideas, the meeting brought together trainers and representatives from the partner organizations in Latvia, Spain (Espacio Geranios), and Poland (AWR), creating a space for collaborative learning, reflection, and co-design.
Throughout the training sessions, key topics were addressed, such as participatory techniques for inclusive facilitation, managing multicultural groups, environmental sustainability, personal growth, and active citizenship. Through practical activities and inspiring examples, participants explored new methodologies and shared best practices applicable to their local contexts.
The program also included activities to connect with the local environment, such as a visit to the Riga Central Market—one of the largest in Europe—and a guided tour of the city’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These moments fostered informal exchanges among partners and helped strengthen the bonds between organizations, which is essential for the success of the project.
The meeting concluded with a project coordination session, where progress in each country was reviewed, results from local co-design sessions with mothers were presented, and the next steps were defined: the final development of the training toolkit and preparation for upcoming transnational activities. This experience not only enhanced the participants’ skills but also reinforced the shared commitment to creating spaces of support, care, and empowerment for mothers across Europe.
This project is funded by Erasmus Plus through the national agency SEPIE.