For more than a year and a half, Dagda City Preschool “Saulīte” together with three partners – Preschool “Pienenīte” from Krāslava (Latvia), and Kindergartens “Rūta” (Panevėžys) and “Auksinis Gaidelis” (Visaginas) from Lithuania – has implemented the cross-border project “Colorful Emotions” (LL-00009) within the Interreg Latvia–Lithuania Programme.
The project focused on strengthening inclusive preschool education, with special attention to children with diverse learning needs. By sharing knowledge, skills, and experience, the partners demonstrated that collaboration brings greater results than working alone.
New Methods for Preschool Education
Four educators from each partner institution were trained in two innovative teaching methods designed to foster children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development:
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Dagda: Barboleta and Warm Grains – improving balance, attention, and self-regulation.
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Krāslava: Džimba Safety Programme and Fairy Tale Therapy – teaching safety awareness and emotional intelligence through stories.
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Panevėžys: Art Therapy and Sandbox Method – promoting sensory and creative expression.
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Visaginas: Montessori Method and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) – structured, visual approaches for communication and self-expression.
Video presentations for each method were prepared and published on partners’ Facebook pages:
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Dagda: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556198125440
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Krāslava: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559888757512
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Panevėžys: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577048068416
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Auksinis Gaidelis (Visaginas): https://www.facebook.com/auksinisgaidelis
Supporting Educators’ Well-Being
The project also addressed teachers’ emotional resilience. Educators took part in psychological training and individual consultations, helping them to better cope with challenges, maintain balance, and remain effective in their daily work with children.
Community Involvement and Inspiration
The closing event highlighted what was achieved: four institutions, one common goal – creating preschools that are open, inclusive, and supportive. Each partner presented results in video format, showcasing practical applications of the methods and inspiring future work.
Strong community involvement was crucial. Parents’ engagement, educators’ enthusiasm, support from municipalities, and active partner collaboration played a key role in the project’s success.
Gratitude to All Contributors
The project would not have been possible without teamwork and dedication. Special thanks go to:
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Ligita Nagļa – for initiating the project,
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Tatjana Munda – for her professional and inspiring leadership,
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Krāslava Municipality and Dagda City and Parish Association – for financial and administrative support,
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Krāslava Education Department – for coordination and guidance,
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All educators, parents, and partners – for active participation and valuable contributions.
A Lasting Impact
Although “Colorful Emotions” has formally ended, its results will continue in each partner institution. The project marks an important step toward education where every child has a place, an opportunity to grow, and the right to feel accepted.
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Dagda City and Parish Association and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
