1.

Community building

Organization name

Local Community "Už upės"("Behind the River")

City, country

Panevėžys, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/Vietos-bendruomen%C4%97-U%C5%BE-up%C4%97s-1093054334073800

Organization established (year)

2016

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The community is established and operates in the territory of Panevėžys city municipality. It was created to satisfy the public interest by carrying out activities beneficial to society: to unite the population community, to mobilize people for the implementation of common goals and projects, to create a full-fledged urban space in terms of civic, cultural, spiritual and environmental quality; to maintain strong relations between community members, to develop manifestations of community spirit, citizenship, safe neighborhood, to promote the cultural, educational and social development of community members, to know the historical past of the country and place of residence, to protect and preserve the living environment and nature.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We want to establish a connection with an organization engaged in similar activities to share experience, gain knowledge in search of new forms of work, expand our horizons.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are interested in the organizational models of local communities

2.

Community building

Organization name

Asociacija "Vilniaus bendruomeninių organizacijų sąjunga" (VBOS) / Union Of Local Community of Vilnius, UOLCV

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/vbos.lt

Organization established (year)

2019

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The operational objectives of the VBOS goals are:

1. to represent and defend the interests of VBOS members in cooperation with state authorities and administrations, national networks of non-governmental organizations;

2. to encourage residents and enterprises and organizations located in Vilnius city municipality to actively participate in the cultural and social life of Vilnius community organizations, to participate in social actions and cultural projects carried out by VBOS;

3. to create a good community environment - civic, justice, culture, natural, aesthetic, tolerant, etc., to perform educational work through local and other enlightened people, cultural and public actors, representatives and members of non-governmental organizations;

4. to bring together the members of the VBOS for the most appropriate solutions for social, cultural and economic well-being.

Every year, VBOS organizes an event, "Community Communities", in Vilnius city. Communicates continuously with communities. We do not yet have international cooperation experience, but communication is taking place with the local communities from Norway and Sicily.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

VBOS's activities go further than just the cultural area, but there is currently an active interest in improving communities' lives to help the government. Our goal is that the Lithuanian government would pay more attention to the communities' challenges, and legislation of the country would ensure so.

VBOS understands that a good community needs a leader and a team of active citizens. By participating, we hope to be valuable partners in our experiences and acquaintances.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

  VBOS is looking for partners to share their good practices on the topics "Who is a good community leader...?" and "How to strengthen the community?". The issues that matter to us, and what legal solutions help their communities to exist, what obstacles they overcome, etc. We want to organize meetings that would inspire Vilnius communities' leaders not to give up, develop themselves (e.g. English knowledge) and broaden their horizons.

3.

Community building

Organization name

The House of Activity and Creativity

City, country

Zapyškis, Kaunas district

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/KurybosStubaZapyskyje

Organization established (year)

2014

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The House of Activity and Creativity, a Public Institution, was established in 2014 by six women living in the surroundings of Zapyskis, a rural place next to Kaunas, the second biggest city of Lithuania. In our local dialect, the house and home are called Stuba. This is how we call our organization shortly. And we are working in our Stuba like at home. Our organization is established in the ex-living house.

We started from the activities for kids and moms, and year by year, we grew. Now we act as a community organization. Our mission is to provide a safe space and support various artistic and social initiatives which meet human values and sustainable living. We organize activities for families, young people and seniors, that is, lectures, various workshops, meetings, camps, exhibitions, amateur art, etc. Starting from 2016, we participate in local, national and international projects (youth exchanges, amateur arts, activities for families). As of 2018, we joined the Kaunas Europe Capital of Culture Community program “We, the People”.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We want to develop international projects, to make rural life broader and open. We expect to meet organizations similar to us.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We want to partner with NGOs from rural areas, discuss and share ideas about changing communities, and change lifestyle in a rural place, families, young people, and the older generation. The work area is social issues, culture, amateur art.

4.

Community building

Organization name

VšĮ Social smart

City, country

Anykščiai, Vilnius

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/social.smart.idea

Organization established (year)

2020

Scope of organization activities

Local, National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Social smart is a small voluntary local/national NGO implementing social, educational activities: intercultural learning for children, self-education and inspirational training to the adults (mainly, women, mothers of children of the age before school), including seniors, older people. Regarding the pandemic situation, most activities were organised online during 2020. However, we intend to organise training activities face-to-face as well.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Firstly, we would like to find partners working in non-formal learning for children, youth, creating new initiatives for mothers with small children, especially in small local contexts. Secondly, we would like to learn about good practices of NGOs and their activities for adults, older people in the social, educational field, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

  We want to find partners for social, educational activities: sharing training methods for children, youth, seniors (both online and face-to-face training). We are most interested in sharing good practice on innovative non-formal learning methods for children of the age before school (2-6 yrs) and their mothers. Also, the involvement of seniors in community life is an important focus for us. We have an idea of developing a "Smart social-cultural street" - a community-based initiative for social, cultural training activities involving elderly people and youth. We would be delighted to find interesting, innovative methods or good examples.

5.

Environment and sustainable development

Organization name

VšĮ „Sveikatai palankus“- (en. “Healthy Friendly“)

City, country

Kaunas, Lithuania

Organization website

www.sveikataipalankus.lt https://www.facebook.com/sveikataipalankus

Organization established (year)

2016

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

  We are a public institution, "Healthy friendly (lt. Sveikatai palankus)", we have been developing healthy eating and lifestyle literacy in Lithuania since 2016. We have implemented various projects, training and seminars on healthy nutrition and lifestyle topics in Lithuanian educational institutions, Lithuanian public health offices and other institutions. We create methodological material for children, adults and seniors (visual - audio, video material, printed publications).  You can find more about our institution and implemented activities at www.sveikataipalankus.lt

We apply to your organization to expand its activities by offering innovative methods and tools that promote the implementation of the principles of healthy eating and lifestyle and the protection of the environment and food waste problem. We want to respond to the implementation of the priorities of the Green Course in the world by offering innovative educational content not only to preschool and school-age children but also to third-age universities and adults.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for complex cooperation opportunities in international projects. We hope there are interested NGO in training and seminars on healthy nutrition and lifestyle topics, innovative educational content not only to preschool and school-age children but also to third-age universities and adults.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for cooperation in healthy eating and lifestyle, and the protection of the environment and food waste problem. We want to respond to the implementation of the priorities of the Green Course.

6.

Environment and sustainable development

Organization name

VsI Pamegincius

City, country

Zarasu r. , Lithuania

Organization website

www.pamegincius.lt

Organization established (year)

2016

Scope of organization activities

Local, National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Non-profit public institution providing non-formal civic and cultural education, integration of vulnerable social groups, coordination of voluntary activities and local community development.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Non-formal education for children, young people and adults on citizenship, ecology and sustainable development.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Involvement in the Global Orangutan Club activities through the establishment of discussion groups on global warming and other initiatives of the ecological movement.

7.

Environment and sustainable development

Organization name

Association "Klaipedian Initiative for Democracy and the Environment (KIDE)"

City, country

Klaipeda, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/KIDEKLAIPEDA

Organization established (year)

2018

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Our mission is a lean and healthy living environment (free of chemicals and acoustic pollution) in Klaipeda. Our activities: 1. Intermediation between Klaipeda city residents, Klaipeda State Seaport and environmental and health protection agencies regarding chemical and noise pollution in the living environment of Klaipėda residents; 2. Advocacy regarding issues mentioned above;

3. Implementation of research on sources of chemical air pollution in the city and determination of its composition;

4. Development of research on the effects of air pollution on public health;

5. Publicity of Klaipeda city residents' problems regarding air pollution in the state-wide media;

6. Public environmental education on air pollution issues.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for international partners because our field of interest in urban pollution is new in Lithuania, and we do not have examples of good practice locally. Thus we hope for international colleagues with similar experience and more expertise to share regarding conflicts between communities, pollution emitting businesses and agencies in charge of supervision.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

A. We hope to partner with NGOs with experience in dealing with urban pollution problems, preferably with some knowledge of port-city relationship issues. We would invite them to participate in a project sharing their experiences.

B. Artistic performances of artists or cultural NGOs on ecological themes. We would invite them to contribute by their competencies to the implementation of the project.

We are planning an interdisciplinary project, "Interactive exhibition and discussion cycle CITY IN THE PORT". The exhibition aims to reveal the most critical features of such economic and social conflict in Klaipeda between the city and a state port – a city within a city - and to look for the ways to solve it; to broadcast to the public the physical and emotional impact of the negative consequences of current port's economic activities (chemical, acoustic pollution) on the residents of Klaipėda to encourage environmental and urban changes in both entities that would improve the quality of life of Klaipėda residents.

8.

Gender equality and the fight against domestic violence

Organization name

VsI Moderni karta

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/moderniosmamos

Organization established (year)

2020

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

"Moderni karta" (Modern generation) is a non-governmental organization. It works in the field of equality and empowerment of women and especially mothers.

The organization unites women and mothers, organizes psychological and various courses for them, and educates adult women.

The organization does not yet have experience in international cooperation.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Our organization wants to start cooperation at the international level. We want to implement a project for equality of women and especially mothers in the labour market, get experience from other international organizations and strengthen our organization.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for a partner who has experience in women's rights, women's empowerment, gender equality and the fight against domestic violence.

9.

Gender equality and the fight against domestic violence

Organization name

Utenos moterų centras

City, country

Utena, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/Utenos-moterų-centras-104344971436743

Organization established (year)

2020

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

  The organization was established in 2020; however, it has already significantly contributed to citizens of Utena's town well-being. Our vision is a world without violence, where women are free to make decisions about their lives. We organize activities to help women overcome domestic violence. Consciousness-raising and awareness building in women's human rights enforcement issues is also essential in our work. We cooperate with Lithuanian women's organizations, but expanding the network seems crucial for our young organization’s development.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We expect to expand our network by finding new partners for future cooperation.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Strategic partnership

10.

Fighting domestic and gender-based violence

Organization name

"Via alba"

City, country

Mazeikiai, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/V%C5%A1%C4%AE-Via-Alba-203362253379758/

Organization established (year)

2015

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

"Via alba" is a non-profit public legal entity. The purpose is to satisfy the public interest through education, training and scientific, cultural, health care, environmental protection, provision of social or legal assistance, and other public interest activities.

Activities of ''Via alba'' organization:

*leisure organization;

*adaptation of living environment;

* development of living, civic and cultural identity;

* informal education;

* crime prevention;

* assistance of non-governmental organizations;

* integration of vulnerable social groups;

* civic education;

* promotion and organization of volunteering;

* social security;

* social assistance;

* international cooperation;

* local community development. 

Organization ''Via alba'' activities aim to develop an open, mentally healthy and civically active society and an independently thinking personality. They are reviving community spirit and developing personal responsibility, promoting and supporting social good.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

"Via alba" is preparing a bilateral cooperation project to empower vulnerable groups. We expect helpful information from this matchmaking event, which will help establish international contacts with similar social service organizations. After confirmation of the project application, we expect good experience and practice sharing between international nongovernmental organizations.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Via alba is looking for long-term and full of good practice partnership with international nongovernmental organizations.

The organization has a project idea to merge with the empowerment of violation groups. The project will address the important problem of our project – gender-based violence. To provide information and services to the broadest possible range of women who already have been victims of violence and women who do not experience violence but need prevention, there are identified three groups: women who live in Lithuania, women who live in Mazeikiai city and region, and women who are victims of violence and live in Mazeikiai city and area.

11.

Non-formal education; ICT

Organization name

CodeAcademy Kids

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.codeacademykids.com

Organization established (year)

2017

Scope of organization activities

Local, National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

CodeAcademy Kids is an innovative education academy focused on programming, creativity and logical thinking skills for children aged 5-18.

We create online and offline long-term (6-12 months) programs and camps based on innovative thinking, entrepreneurship and digital knowledge, cooperating with local schools and international partners.

When developing our programs, we analyse current students' interests and socio-economic situation, which makes our teaching material and vision of future innovative academy not only exceptional but also extremely interesting for our students.

Stepping into regional inclusion and promoting tech education for all, and working on the digital gap between generations and locations.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We want to share and gather the best examples of good practices working in non-formal education, establish strong connections with the organizations promoting life-long learning and innovative thinking in NGO. While thinking about expanding our activities on an international level, we would like to have strong partners and supporters locally and globally.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We can offer a pool of young professionals with strong IT, EduTech, non-formal education and innovations background. Looking for possible projects as a partner, open for inspiration.

12.

Non-formal education; Digital rights

Organization name

Digital Ethics Center (Skaitmeninės etikos centras)

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.e-etika.lt

 www.facebook.com/@skaitmeninesetikoscentras 

Organization established (year)

2019

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The Digital Ethics Center is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to the well-being of each and every individual in the digital world. We share reliable, research-based information and expert advice on when and how the use of technology is beneficial and when it may pose a threat to your health, safety or reputation. We also organize lectures and training for parents, teachers and students.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for possibilities to collaborate with new experts and international partners.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are interested in a partnership to share best practices and experiences in implementing digital well-being in exchange. Our field of interest includes organizations that educate society on digital well-being, problematic usage of the internet (PUI) and possibly maintain inter-institutional (including business and various community groups) dialogue in these fields.

13.

Non - formal education

Organization name

"Finansiniai akcentai" association

City, country

Šiauliai, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/FinansiniaiAkcentai

Organization established (year)

2020-12-30

Scope of organization activities

Local, National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Education. The organization’s main goal is to improve people's financial literacy level through the innovative, modern and creative use of artistic and cultural activities.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Expecting for possibilities and opportunities to improve and reach goals. There is an expression - "Single man in a field is not a warrior." Two have more chances than one and so on.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We're looking for organizations with the same goals and values as we have.

14.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Darnūs namai

City, country

Kaunas, Lithuania

Organization website

www.darnus-namai.lt

Organization established (year)

2015

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

We work in preventive work with families: counselling, parenting skills training, family hikes, stress management camps (for teenagers, parents), social skills camps for teenagers, workshops for parents and teenagers seeking a mutual relationship.

Complex services for all the family depending on the need (social worker, psychologist, psychotherapist, educator, mediator).

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

International cooperation is the possibility to grow and share the best practices at local and international levels.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Preventive work with families, parenting, family support methods

15.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

National Institute for Social Integration

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.visiskirtingivisilygus.lt,

www.zmogui.lt

Organization established (year)

2010

Scope of organization activities

Local, National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The National Institute for Social Integration is an organization that develops and applies social innovations. Through the principle of equality, it helps people from various socially vulnerable groups integrate into society. The Institute has put together a proactive office and external team to implement five programs and develop new ones. Institute is distinguished by the complex application of problem-solving methods, the involvement of vulnerable groups, and youth activities.

The organization currently implements the following programs:

1. Human Rights Education Program. Its purpose is to promote human rights education and raise public awareness by actively involving people from socially vulnerable groups and young people. Human rights education uses non-traditional pre-eminence and non-formal education methods. One of the program's main goals is to empower young people to play an active role in building a peaceful community based on diversity, integration, and mutual understanding.

2. Social taxi is a set of social services provided to people with reduced mobility whose primary purpose is to enable persons with reduced mobility to become autonomous. Personal assistant and shuttle services allow people with reduced mobility to move, with a specially trained personal assistant to help the client get out of the house, maintain and encourage autonomy, maintain a pleasant, non-discriminatory conversation on the client's chosen route, and arrive at the destination.

3. NGO Hive - a space for creation, work and communication of non-governmental organizations, social innovations and socially responsible persons. It is aimed at anyone eager and keen to bring about social change based on social innovation.

4. The Valley of Innovators - a space of work and collaboration in a very creative process, surrounded by nature. It is dedicated to socially responsible initiatives. New ideas for delivering social business or innovation-based social services are often born in the Valley of Innovators.

5. Seniors is a set of services that provide social services to the elderly to maintain the independence of the elderly for as long as possible. Seniors at home are assisted, communicated and creatively assisted by specially trained social work assistants at home.

6. The Media Education and Journalist Research Program is a program that promotes critical thinking. It consists of two strands, the Young Journalist Education Program and Media4Change.

The National Institute for Social Integration has extensive experience working on large-scale national and international projects, including:

- In 2009, the first global meeting of the "Human Library" method of informal education with the participation of professionals from 9 countries;

- 2011-2012 the project "Citizen's Alarm Clock" was implemented in 2005 with 145 schoolchildren trained in the techniques of peer educators "Positive" and Forum Theatre. The project raised 300 peer educators, involved 160 teachers and over 2,500 students;

- "Democracy Code" - a project for the representation of the interests of young people with fewer opportunities, for democracy;

- Regular youth exchange projects;

- Camps on social skills for young people with fewer opportunities since 2019;

- Project on the integration of national minorities into the labour market implemented by the Department of National Minorities.

The Institute's team is distinguished by its expertise in human rights, its skills in applying informal education methods in human rights, its ability to develop and apply social innovation and encourage other practitioners to use non-traditional problem-solving techniques.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Our organization is active in civic activities and seeks innovative solutions to social problems. We always seek to use and apply good practices from other countries or organizations. We believe that collaboration can do much more beautiful things than working alone or competing. We are planning and developing international projects, so it is appropriate for our organization to participate in a contact knitting event.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We look forward to establishing cooperative relationships with organisations working in social fields such as civil society education, media literacy, the organisation of assistance to the elderly, the integration of vulnerable people into the labour market (especially the disabled, refugees and prisoners), services provision for the disabled, social business. In these topics, we are always committed to collaborating, sharing and accepting good practice, creating new projects. Our team is fantastic at the generation of ideas and the ability to turn those ideas into reality.

16.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Už švarią Lietuvą

City, country

Kaunas, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.facebook.com/kuryboskampas360

Organization established (year)

2020 officially, in other forms since 2015

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

We are looking forward to creating a social workshop were ex-inmates could learn soft and hard skills for successful reintegration into society. There are many obstacles for them, such as lack of job experience or social skills, propensity to violence and addictions, hostile public or employers attitude.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We expect to meet NGOs working in a similar field - with ex-inmates reintegration and related problems - violence, addictions etc.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We want to find a partner who has know-how and experience in reintegration or creating a social business because we have the ambition to become independent from sponsorships and have a self-sustaining workshop.

17.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Association for the Physically Disabled in Lithuania

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.draugija.lt

https://www.facebook.com/lietuvosneigaliujudraugija/

Organization established (year)

1996

Scope of organization activities

National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The Association for the Physically Disabled People in Lithuania currently has 64 members: associations of the disabled in 57 municipalities of Lithuania with more than 23,000 members (disabled people and their family members). Main tasks of our organization:

participate in the development and implementation of various integration programs for the disabled (both national and international level);

to actively cooperate with state, municipal, non-governmental institutions, private and international organizations;

to make a positive impact on the adoption of laws and strategies, to participate in the development of policy and its implementation measures in Lithuania and the EU;

to research, analyze and address relevant social issues of the disabled on their initiative or by participating in working groups.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

The Association for the Physically Disabled in Lithuania has prepared the project "Skills+ Competitions in Lithuania" to integrate disabled people into the open labour market. We are searching for partners in this project. We also open to various other ideas regarding the projects.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

The main problem addressed by the project "Skills+ Competitions in Lithuania" is integrating disabled people into the open labour market. Another problem that the project also seeks to address is employers' attitude on who can employ disabled people in the open labour market towards this social group. The proposed solution to these problems is professional competitions for people with disabilities to enable this socially vulnerable group to participate and establish themselves in the open labour market actively. The project will be implemented with a partner from Bulgaria – National Training Center. The project will involve at least 60 people with disabilities from the counties of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda, who will compete with each other in two areas – catering and ICT – depending on which one they have professional competencies. In terms of the project, the Association for the Physically Disabled in Lithuania will actively cooperate with various NGO's representing the interests of people with disabilities, as well as vocational training centres, business companies and associations of employers. We will also work together with state institutions and the media to promote the integration of people with disabilities into the open labour market.

18.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Lithuania Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Association

City, country

Kaunas, Lithuania

Organization website

www.sbh.lt

https://www.facebook.com/SpinaBifidaIrHidrocefalijaAsociacija

Organization established (year)

2013

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Our association unites Lithuanian people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and their families. There are around 350 - 400 persons with SBH in Lithuania in 2021. Approximately 10 children with SBH diagnosis are born every year in Lithuania.

Our organization is based on the volunteering of members and their family members. The members of the organization elect the board, and the board elects a chairperson.

SBH Lithuania represents the rights of members in public institutions, organizes various events for people with SBH.

Our association is a member of the International Federation of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We would love to make connections with similar organizations for sharing good practices, experiences.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We would love to share experience, good practice, maybe to organize a camp for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus or with any other kids. But we are open to any other offers and possibilities.

19.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Lithuanian Association of People with Disabilities

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.negalia.lt

https://www.facebook.com/Lietuvos-%C5%BEmoni%C5%B3-su-negalia-s%C4%85junga-174761077294

Organization established (year)

1995

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The Lithuanian Association of People with Disabilities (LŽNS) is an independent, non-governmental organization, founded in 1995, knitting 19 regional disabilities organizations throughout Lithuania and 4 public service provision institutions; LŽNS unites about 10,000 people with various disabilities, basically with physical and mobility impairments, and their family members; LŽNS is a member of the Lithuanian Disability Forum, and the Forum is the member of European Disability Forum and International Disability Forum.

 Objectives: to seek equal opportunities and an accessible environment for people with disabilities, to represent their rights, to promote social integration, to make the education system accessible, to develop a positive attitude of the society toward people with disabilities.

 Activities: protect the rights of people with disabilities, monitor the accessibility of public places, organize public awareness campaigns, co-operate with other NGOs, government, municipalities, private business and other institutions, implement Universal design projects, organize training and recreational camps.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Our organization is looking for a partnership in the field of disability advocacy: cooperation with local authorities, accessible environment, services for the disabled, a positive attitude towards people with disabilities.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for partners that defend the rights of people with disabilities for joint projects. Our organization could be project providers or partners in such kind of projects.

20.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

M. Ciuzelio labdaros ir paramos fondas | MC Charity Foundation

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

https://www.sidabrinelinija.lt

Organization established (year)

2014

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

MC Charity Foundation runs "Sidabrine linija" (The Silver Line) - telephone outreach, emotional support and befriending service for the elderly. "Sidabrinė linija" established in 2016. In almost 5 years, the project has contributed to improving the lives of nearly 4000 socially excluded seniors from all over the country by providing them with socio-emotional support and encouraging them to make social connections through engagement in telephone befriending program. In this program, seniors are matched with volunteers and involved in regular weekly social calls between them. So far, we haven't been involved in international cooperation.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We expect to meet partners working in the field of positive ageing, with whom we could work on the development of innovative projects.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for 1) good practice in positive ageing which we could learn from and/ or implement in Lithuania; 2) opportunities for international development.

21.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Institute of Regional Development & Welfare

City, country

Marijampole, Lithuania

Organization website

www.regionupletra.lt

Organization established (year)

2021

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Our organization aims to enhance social inclusion by delivering solutions that ease the daily life of vulnerable groups of people in remote regions. The organization focuses on helping people with disabilities. However, it also supports those who face poverty, economic deprivation, anti-social behavior, lack of infrastructure, unemployment and alcohol abuse. It closely communities with local communities to stay up to date to social challenges, mobilize financing and implement projects that focus on improving vulnerable communities' wellbeing.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Our organization is interested in participating in the matchmaking event to find and establish a long term international partnership. We seek to find a partner to implement joint projects, discuss social problems, exchange ideas and share experiences.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Researching disabled people needs and social challenges in local communities, our organization has recognized the need for transportation services and day time activities. People with disabilities encounter the problem of reaching health care providers and other vital destinations daily, and thus, our organization seeks to solve this issue. It is also essential to organize day time activities for disabled adults and children to ensure socialization and help disabled people to make friends, form relationships, gain and utilize new skills. However, more profound knowledge and a broader perspective are needed. Therefore, we hope to establish a partnership with an international partner, which would help solve a particular issue and ensure the exchange of the best practices in the social services sector, helping to meet the human needs of local communities.

22.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

VŠĮ "Unikalus šokis" (Unique Dance)

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

https://unikalussokis.weebly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/uniqdanceperkunkiemyje

Organization established (year)

-

Scope of organization activities

Local

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Unique Dance proposes inclusive dance activities for people with special needs. These dance lessons improve posture, physical and brain condition, sensomotoric and social skills. Unique dance is not only dance lessons, but the better integration in society, too. The organization "Unikalus šokis" will organize various events to raise awareness for people with special needs and help them to be full-fledged members of society. We want to expand the organization and include professional disabled dancers to create motivating dance performances

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

In other countries, professional inclusive dance organizations have already been developed. There is no such organization in Lithuania, we want to create it in Lithuania as well.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

The pandemic moved all dance classes online and proved to be the most effective way to reach the shyest and most self-isolated people in Lithuania. They seem to feel safer and more comfortable behind the screens. Our survey shows they’re more likely to join the activities if they can first try them online. In the future, we hope to host activities in the studio, but mostly we want to continue working online. We want to create a website that includes informative texts for everyone interested, videos translated into sign language, and pre-recorded dance lessons, where the movements are verbally communicated for those with visual impairment. The website itself would be created using the latest scientific findings to make such websites available to the maximum number of people. We would also use already existing social media platforms and platforms best-suited for live classes and live communication.

23.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Lietuvos Raudonasis Kryžius

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.redcross.lt

Organization established (year)

1919

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Lithuanian Red Cross is a National Society of IFRC, acting as state helper in humanitarian issues, seeking for best solutions to save lives and rights, helping people in crises in Lithuania and outside it.

We cooperate with state institutions and other IFRC National Societies in different projects but are primarily dedicated to solving refugees' problems, helping lonely older people, and preparing for disasters.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for partners for collaboration in different projects, which could strengthen our organisation and share their experience in preparedness for disasters, healthy living, and avoiding loneliness of older people, giving best practices for first aid in crises and solutions to help vulnerable people.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Organizations, which are active in disaster preparedness, help people in crises, refugees and migrants.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Lithuanian Association of Families with Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children PAGAVA 

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.pagava.lt

Organization established (year)

1994

Scope of organization activities

National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Lithuanian Association of Families with Deaf and Hearing Impaired Children PAGAVA is a national non-governmental umbrella organization established in 1994. Activities of PAGAVA are based on membership; it unites 7 regional organizations in Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Tauragė, Palanga and more than 220 families from all the country, including rural areas. PAGAVA is dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. It represents the rights of deaf and hard of hearing children in different areas, including medical and educational services. The association seeks to achieve non-discrimination for disabled children and youth, equal rights to be educated and gain profession, and achieve successful socialization and integration. We aim to include members from rural areas in all of our activities.

Main activities: representation and advocacy; collaboration with government and local institutions to ensure equal possibilities for deaf children, newborn hearing screening, and primary support for the families; organization of social and psychological services for deaf children and their families; information, consultations and training for parents; non-formal education for deaf children and youth: art therapy, music and handicraft; educational events and trips, summer camps; deaf and hearing society education.

Association PAGAVA is a member of the Lithuanian Forum of the Disabled and European Federation for Parents of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children FEPEDA. Since 2000, PAGAVA implements social service projects for the disabled financed by the Department for the Affairs of Disabled at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour. The organization also has more than 15 years of experience in the implementation of international projects (Interreg, Nordic Council of Ministers, European Economic Area Financial Mechanism, Lithuanian Swiss Cooperation Programme, NGO Block Grant, Development cooperation and democracy promotion financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, etc.).

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for partners as we believe that we could become good collaborators with NGO or other organizations and implement successful projects. We are ready to share our knowledge, experience and agree on other activities during the proposal preparation process. 

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for organizations working with deaf and hard of hearing children. This could be NGOs, educational institutions or others.

25.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Information collection and dissemination centre by VILTIS

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.viltis.lt

Organization established (year)

2008

Scope of organization activities

Local, National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Our activities are directed to Lithuanian welfare society with mental disability VILTIS. We are collecting information about people with intellectual disabilities and families; their needs, education, working abilities, social services, preparing information in easy read language, looking for all possible ways to ensure equal rights for people and children with intellectual disabilities.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for good practices in other countries, possibilities for cooperation

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for good practices in other countries to find possibilities to cooperate, implement easy read practices in local authorities, NGOs, and society in general.         

26.

Work with vulnerable groups

Organization name

Lithuanian welfare society of persons with intellectual disability Viltis

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.viltis.lt

Organization established (year)

1989

Scope of organization activities

National

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Society "Viltis" supports persons with intellectual disability, their parents, family members. Viltis has 53 associated members all over Lithuania. The total number of Viltis members - about 11000. The main task of society Viltis is to gather members of the community, specialists, professionals, volunteers and people of goodwill and act for the improvement of quality of life of persons with intellectual disability (ID), to cooperate with governmental institutions on the strengthening of the legal base for persons with ID and their parents. Society Viltis is a member of Inclusion Europe; it participates in the ERASMUS+ program with partners from the European Union. Viltis has good relations with Eastern European countries.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

Viltis intends to find new partners experienced in the provision of innovative services for persons with intellectual disability.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Viltis is ready to participate in the partnership engaged in providing services for persons with ID,  inclusion into society, employment issues,  education of persons with ID.

27.

Civic participation

Organization name

VšĮ "Projektų valdymo ir mokymo centras"

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

www.pvmc.lt

Organization established (year)

2006

Scope of organization activities

International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

The organization are registered and operating in the Ignalina district. Our organization aims to promote the development of the knowledge society, lifelong learning, improve the knowledge, skills, and competences of the population, and seek the development of civil society through the preparation and implementation of projects, training, and educational activities. By developing and implementing innovative social ideas, strategies, innovative models and services, social and economic problems are solved more effectively, and new social connections are created. The institution has extensive experience in local and EC-funded projects, works with groups at social risk, pays great attention to citizenship activities, youth inclusion, etc.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are looking for partners for the implementation of projects.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

We are looking for partners who would like to cooperate in the implementation of projects - Creativity, active citizens, multilateral dialogue.

28.

Civic participation

Organization name

VšĮ "Darni socialinė raida"

City, country

Vilnius, Lithuania

Organization website

http://darnisocialineraida.lt/   https://www.facebook.com/darnisocialineraida

Organization established (year)

2015

Scope of organization activities

Local, National, International

Briefly describe your organization and its activities (including international cooperation)

Darni Socialinė Raida provides independent advice to individuals, organizations, and governments at all levels: local, regional, national, European and international. We are a research, strategy, and professional development consultancy. Our baseline - Thinking Ahead!

Our mission is Co-Creation and learning across sector boundaries. We create spaces for personal development. We support people's and groups' learning and capacity to deal with complex societal challenges, initiate and implement ideas that bring people together and unite communities.

Darni Socialinė Raida has a team of 4 employees. We are also connected to a broad group of experts. Strong partners who want to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development, in line with our mission. The expertise of Darni Socialinė Raida is concentrated in 3 areas and is deployed on a multidisciplinary basis:

- Cultural policy, tourism and recreation;

- Social policy;

- Psychology, personal development and well-being.

The Darni Socialinė Raida's common aspiration is to translate knowledge into practical solutions for actual societal challenges. We want to contribute to significant transformations on the social-economic level, innovations in governance, and new dynamics for regions and locations.

We work across the social, education, cultural (CCI, heritage, etc.) sectors and provide interdisciplinary research, methodology development, training for civil service professionals and initiate cross-sectorial projects together with local communities and local authorities.

We provide services as:

- Strategic advice; - Sector analysis, feasibility studies, SWOT and environmental analysis; - Impact assessment, evaluation, monitoring and indicator frameworks; - Preparation of project proposals, project and program management, stakeholder and network coordination, brokerage and funding; - Arts management services: outsourcing, public relations and dissemination, search for international markets; - Mediation; - Coaching and supervision; - Education, training, and professional development programs and workshops.

Our team has a strong research focus in areas within the framework of creative civil society, community building, cultural democracy, cultural policy, heritage preservation, foreign policy, public diplomacy, (international) cultural relations, cultural & digital diplomacy. Regarding international cooperation, we have experience developing and implementing projects in the social policy area, e.g. "S.M.A.R.T. tėvystė ", and research projects, e.g. collaboration with International Cultural Relations Ltd.

Why organization is interested in participating in matchmaking event? What are the expectations?

We are interested in international cooperation, and we are constantly looking for partners to develop and implement projects in culture, education, and social policy. In this matchmaking event, we hope to find partners to create a project proposal for the Active Citizen Fund Call to increase citizen’s participation in civic activities. Also, we are interested in developing bilateral cooperation initiatives, e.g. exchange of experience project proposal with organizations working on a multidisciplinary basis, but within cultural, education, and social sectors.

What kind of partnership the organization is looking for or offering?

Unfortunately, we don't have a concrete idea for bilateral cooperation yet, but we would like to develop one. We have a brief project idea for the Active Citizen Fund call to increase citizen's participation in civic activities (Outcome 1). Our idea is to create a series of workshops/labs that would gather together local citizens, cultural organizations, local authorities, cultural and creative spaces to explore urban challenges in collaboration with other stakeholders. Together, they would commit to developing innovative solutions to the challenges they are facing. We see it as an initiative, engaging grassroots and offering innovative forms for public dialogue and participation. Thus we are looking for partners who might already have some relevant experience developing and facilitating similar processes.