THE PHILOSOPHY AND AIM OF LIVSLUST

Underprivileged teenagers are often considered a burden to society. Our aim is that they instead should become an asset and be able to manage on their own. When they arrive at the school, they are lonely and insecure at their most vulnerable teenage time. At Livslust-Dzivesprieks they find a warm and friendly environment, where they soon feel safe and begin to believe in their future - maybe for the very first time. They will not only learn a trade, but also develop a higher self-esteem and learn responsibility and how to manage relationships.

Life at school is based upon openness and trust. Every morning, the school staff and all the students gather for a Morning Circle where everybody greets each other and shares how they feel and talk about the coming day. The purpose of this is giving everyone a sense of security in the group, which is necessary for a successful personal development.

The key words at Livslust-Dzivesprieks are: Safe environment, Knowledge, Self-esteem, Self-confidence, Initiative, Responsibility, Creativity, Cooperation

"Everyone has the right to a secure and meaningful life, but if you neither have a family, a place to live, education nor money, you will have little chance of success. Disillusioned teenagers with no hope for their future and scarred souls are, however, able to become reliable adults, creating a meaningful life for themselves. We feel that vocational knowledge may help to opening the door to society and, therefore, the combination of vocational training and social rehabilitation is the backbone of the work of Livslust."

- Kerstin Nordin, founder of Livslust