Two specific projects implemented with the assistance of EU structural funds were nominated to Regio Stars 2010 awards this year. These two projects are unique not only for their major positive impact to Lithuania's general public, but also for their partnership promotion:

 

A Window to the Future: project "Computer literacy basics for a Lithuanian E-Citizen"

Lithuanian business companies, such as leading banks, telecommunication and IT companies, came together in 2002 to form an alliance named “Langas į Ateitį”(LIA; window to the future – eng.) to support the development of the information society in Lithuania.

Today, LIA embraces 13 private companies and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. The mission of LIA is to participate in the development of the information society, increase the accessibility of the Internet and e-services in Lithuania by providing information, computer literacy and Internet training to Lithuanian adults, establishing Public Internet Access Points/PIAPs and stimulating the growth of e-services countrywide.

The main activities are intended for digitally excluded and geographically separated residents, particularly those who live in rural regions and are socially vulnerable, elderly or disabled people.

LIA is the most successful social welfare development initiative in Lithuania. The results of one of its projects, Computer Literacy Basics for a Lithuanian e–Citizen, clearly show the effect it has had on the citizens of Lithuania. This project could be described as having the largest target group in Lithuania ever, directly reaching 50,400 residents who have attended the organized courses of computer literacy and Internet use basics and received course graduation certificates, as well as their environment – countless families, co-workers and friends, who seem to be in the grip of IT fever (in the positive sense). More...

 

The Hippest Restaurant Down Town: project "Social integration of individuals suffering from dependency on psychoactive substances, using a complex set of modern methods"

In 2004, a unique healthy-food-only restaurant “Mano guru” (My Guru – Eng.), was opened in the centre of Vilnius. About 70 % of its employees were individuals formerly dependent on psychoactive substances, who have successfully completed a rehabilitation program for people suffering from drug dependency.

“Mano Guru” helps former addicts to rejoin society and be reintegrated into the labour market. The concept of the salad restaurant covers both former addicts and the society at large for the common aim of combating social exclusion.

It provides psychological and social support for those who have suffered from dependencies in the past, and teaches them social behaviour. This contributes to these people’s successful integration into society and the labour market, at the same time diminishing the possibilities for them to go back to former dependencies on psychoactive substances.

However, the initiative is also projected to the general public, promoting tolerance and positive attitude towards former addicts among inhabitants. During the implementation of the project, “Mano guru” restaurant in a short term became a trendy place to have a cup of herbal tea or a genuine salad not only because of it’s light and cozy interior but also for frank service. More...

 

 

Finansų ministerija. Updated on 31 July 2009