"Human Development Award" ceremony 2021

On September 22, in a special ceremony, the Civic Alliance-Latvia in cooperation with the US Embassy in Latvia awarded four winners of the 2021 Human Development Award. It was honoring of people and organizations who have contributed to the well-being of society through their selfless work, and who are support for others in difficult life situations. They received many thanks from organizers and supporters of the Award - from Kristīne Zonberga, Director of the Civic Alliance-Latvia, Ruta Elvikis, Deputy Ambassador of the United States, and Hamid Ladjevardi, a member of the Award competition jury.

In her speech, K. Zonberga emphasized that "The Sprout embodies the idea that the beginning of great change can begin with a small one. With this idea the Human Development Award is organized, because we believe that each small step could be the start of big changes. Each good story can multiply good and to be an inspiration to others to accomplish small and great deeds." 

Ruta Elvikis, Deputy Ambassador of the US Embassy in Latvia, emphasized that “The United States Embassy is proud of its long-standing partnership with the Civic Alliance-Latvia to support this inspiring initiative. Citizens who choose to lend a helping hand to their neighbors and strengthen their communities are at the heart of a strong, democratic nation.”

The award for social responsibility and philanthropy was given to Rudīte Krūmiņa,  a family law expert, the founder of the North Latgale Women's Association “Ieva”, as well as the founder and lecturer of the association “Riteneitis”. The association "Ieva" was established to help and provide support to women who have suffered from violence, it is the first such organization in Latgale. In Balvi, Baltinava, Rugāji and Vilaka counties, Rudīte has organized various charity campaigns and projects for more than 10 years.

The award for outstanding contribution to education was given to the association "Piedzīvojuma Gars".  Since 2011, the association has been actively working in the education of young people, using non-formal education and experiential education methods. The association actively works with schools and classrooms to promote communication, collaboration, value-based leadership, and other skills to help young people integrate more fully into society.

The award for outstanding contribution to health was given to the chairman of the association "Rīgas pilsētas “Rūpju bērns””.  Māris runs the largest non-governmental organization in Riga, which provides social services to people with intellectual disabilities. The association takes care of people with mental disabilities, solves their problems and promotes their integration into society.

The award for contribution to the future of Latvia was given to the charity foundation "Bērnu rīts".  The organization cooperates with more than 30 orphanages, social care centers, support and crisis centers, as well as public organizations in Latvia. The foundation works to improve the quality of life of orphans and seriously ill children by organizing educational and entertaining events in orphanages and social care centers, and by providing these institutions with the necessary items and equipment that are not provided by state funding.

The winners of the prize received Diploma and a prize - a stylized sculpture "Sprout". 

Rudīte Krūmiņa also received a special award from the jury member Hamid Ladjevardi for her work for the benefit of families and women in Latgale.

The "Human Development Award" is an award competition launched in 2014 and organized by the Civic Alliance-Latvia in cooperation with the US Embassy in Latvia. The event was made possible by partners, sponsors and supporters: Hamids Ladjevardi, SEB banka, Blīdene plant nursery, Antalis, Telpaugi.lv, LV portal.