Game 'Puddle' Helps Understand Discrimination with EU Funding Support

According to a 2022 study by the Latvian Ministry of Welfare, 37% of discrimination cases in Latvia are related to disability. To bridge social gaps, infrastructure improvements alone are insufficient – a change in societal mindset is also needed.

From 2021 to 2027, Latvia receives €4.3 billion in EU funds, supplemented by €0.7 billion from the national budget. Of this total, 30% (€1.489 billion) is allocated to the objective "A Social and Inclusive Europe and Latvia." The funds are expected to reduce discrimination risk and enhance social inclusion for at least 12,300 people.

One practical initiative is the game "Puddle" („Peļķe”), developed by the NGO "Apeirons" (Association of Disabled People and Their Friends) under the project "Understand Discrimination" with support from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The game allows participants to experience various disability scenarios, understanding the emotional and physical challenges faced by people with disabilities.

Project manager Dace Ikauniece notes that the game helps not only the general public but also people with disabilities themselves to better understand others' limitations. The game cards include educational content about conditions like cerebral palsy and service dogs, aiming to combat discrimination caused by lack of knowledge.

The total budget for the "Understand Discrimination" project is €44,317.81, with €37,670.13 covered by ESF+ and €6,647.68 from the Latvian state budget. "Apeirons" plans to continue using the game in seminars and discussions to raise awareness about preventing discrimination.