Yuliia Dashchuk, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor at the Department of Tourism, Hotel, Restaurant and Catering of Lutsk National Technical University, took part in the international training visit "Rural Inclusion", held on October 6–10, 2025, in Latvia within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme.
The event brought together professionals from the fields of education, culture, youth work, and local development from various European countries to exchange experiences and develop inclusive approaches to supporting young people in rural communities.
The training visit aimed to study practical experience that helps engage young people in community life, promote inclusive initiatives, and create spaces for participation and self-expression.
Participants visited three municipalities in Latvia, where they learned about the work of youth centres, communicated with local leaders, active young people, and experts in non-formal education, and developed cooperation models between communities, educational institutions, and non-governmental organisations.
The program included field visits, meetings with local government representatives, and discussions on effective models for supporting youth initiatives in rural areas. Particular attention was given to how the Erasmus+ Youth Participation Projects programme can enhance youth engagement in local decision-making processes.
The LNTU lecturer's participation in this training format represents an important step toward strengthening the European dimension of university education, expanding partnerships, and implementing modern approaches in education, culture, and sustainable tourism. The experience gained will contribute to developing topics related to inclusivity, youth work, civic education, and socially responsible tourism within the educational process.
Latvia, a country with a population of just 1.8 million, has demonstrated how even small communities can achieve remarkable results through collaboration, initiative, and cultural unity. This experience will be a valuable resource for further developing educational and cultural projects at LNTU, both at the national and international levels.
