On January 30, the closing event of the international project “LingoKey” (“Language – a key for understanding your neighbor”) was held at Žagarė Gymnasium. Students, teachers and project partners from Latvia and Lithuania gathered for the celebration to review implemented activities and celebrate the project results.
During the event, the activities carried out in implementing the 2021–2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia and Lithuania program project was presented. Among the main results were the creation of Lithuanian-Latvian language teaching methodology, the newly published Lithuanian-Latvian conversation book, the organization of joint educational activities, summer camps and language academies for students, and other initiatives that helped bring the two neighboring nations closer together. The project coordinators emphasized that during the implementation period, they managed to create a strong network of cooperation between Latvian and Lithuanian educational institutions and inspire the younger generation to be interested in the language and culture of their neighbor.
The closing event was not only an official ceremony, but also a real celebration filled with youthful energy. The students prepared impressive performances that reflected the beauty of both Lithuanian and Latvian cultures. Songs sounded on stage in both languages, dance performances took place and creative works born during the project were presented. Each performance testified that “LingoKey” was more than just a language learning project – it was a journey to get to know another culture.
Among the official speeches and performances, friendly conversations took place, which best reflected the true spirit of the project. Students from Lithuania and Latvia communicated no longer as strangers, but as old acquaintances, using common phrases in each other’s languages and sharing common experiences. Many participants admitted that the project changed their view of their neighboring country – it became a community with close values and a common desire to build connections.
Although the “LingoKey” project has officially closed, its legacy will last for a long time. Students took away not only language knowledge, but also experience that will shape their future communication. Schools between Latvia and Lithuania have established partnerships that will continue after the end of the project – further activities in learning Lithuanian and Latvian languages, joint distance learning lessons, events and educational initiatives are planned.
The closing event at the Žagarė Gymnasium became a meaningful highlight of the project, showing that joint initiatives can build strong bridges between communities in neighboring countries. The story of the “LingoKey” project reminds us that European unity is built in the everyday interaction of communities, the enthusiasm of teachers and students and simple human friendship.
