MOT Latvia Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Teenagers

From Troubled Teen to School Director and MOT Trainer

Anna Zaula, principal of Rīgas Jaunciema Elementary School, recalls her own school days as a difficult period: she was socially active but often mean to others, got into fights, and was rude to teachers. “I was a classic case for a social pedagogue,” Zaula admits. She comes from a family of teachers and has been in education for 19 years. Before becoming a principal, Zaula worked as a social pedagogue for 16 years and contributed to the Skola2030 project.

Zaula is one of the first MOT Latvia trainers, involved since the program's inception. She understands teenagers who act unkindly—admitting that at the moment it feels good. However, as an adult, she experienced regret when having to apologize to those she had wronged. “If someone had pulled me aside and shown by example that this behavior is wrong, it would have helped. But no one did,” Zaula says.

Program Mission and Volunteer Stories

MOT Latvia is a youth motivation program that has operated in Latvian schools for ten years. Its goal is to inspire teenagers to be brave, care for each other, and be able to say “no.” The program relies on volunteer trainers who meet regularly with students. Three of them share why they are committed to visiting schools and sharing their experiences.

As the program celebrates its 10th anniversary, participants stress that personal example and open conversations help teenagers build confidence and social skills. Zaula’s story is a powerful example of how a once-troubled teen can become a source of support for others.