The project "Politics with Spices" was approved on 4 December 2025, and its implementation starts on 12 January 2026. Throughout the year, young people from Jelgava Municipality will have the opportunity to become part of the project, engage in meaningful dialogue, and gain valuable experience that truly matters.

By taking part in the project, young people will have the opportunity to:

Project Launch – Youth Team Building

Before meeting with decision-makers, a team-building meeting was organized at the beginning of the project for the Jelgava Municipality Youth Council and the involved young people.

During the meeting, the participants got to know each other, strengthened their sense of teamwork, and prepared for the project activities. In an informal atmosphere, they discussed the project's goals, the role of young people within it, and developed skills necessary for leading discussions, expressing opinions, and collaborating with decision-makers.

This meeting served as an essential foundation for the successful implementation of the project, as a strong and united team is the key prerequisite for high-quality dialogue with the municipality.

"Politics with Spices" is more than just conversations.
It is an opportunity to co-create change, ask the right questions, meet the right people, and see how young people's voices can truly make a difference in Jelgava Municipality.

During the meeting, young people highlighted the following issues: 

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• the lack of sports and leisure infrastructure,
• limited summer job opportunities for young people,
• accessibility of transportation,
• the need for educational and creative activities,
• the lack of meeting spaces for young people,
• as well as proposing ideas for improving the environment and infrastructure. 

First Meeting with Decision-Makers – in Kalnciems

On March 20, 2026, the first meeting between young people and decision-makers took place at Kalnciems Secondary School as part of the project "Politics with spices."

The event was attended by young people from Jelgava Municipality, especially from Kalnciems and Valgunde parishes, as well as representatives of the Jelgava Municipality Youth Council and municipal deputies.

In an informal and friendly atmosphere, young people engaged in discussions with decision-makers on topics relevant to them, while also preparing food together. This format helped foster open dialogue and reduce formal barriers.

All proposals were compiled to be submitted to the municipality and used in further work.

This meeting demonstrated that young people are willing and capable of actively contributing to the development of their community when they are given the opportunity to be heard.

The Second Meeting of the "Politics with a Twist" Project Took Place in Zaļenieki

On May 28, the "Politics with a Twist" project team visited Zaļenieki Vocational and Craft Secondary School, bringing together young people from the Zaļenieki and Svēte parishes, representatives of the Jelgava Municipality Youth Council, and local decision-makers.

This time, discussions took place while participants prepared lunch together and got to know one another. This informal setting encouraged young people to express their opinions openly and share ideas on how to improve life in their local communities.

The discussions focused on topics such as summer employment opportunities for young people, activities available during evenings and weekends, and the need for places where young people can meet and spend their free time. Participants also shared ideas for improving sports infrastructure, expanding opportunities for active recreation, and increasing youth involvement in local initiatives and projects.

Throughout the meeting, young people not only identified issues that matter to them but also explored possible solutions and discussed how they can contribute to creating positive change in their communities.

The project continues, and future meetings will provide further opportunities for young people to meet with decision-makers, share their views, and work together on issues that are important to them.