CeMeWE project at Riga Technical University “From Programs to Belonging”
Since 2023, Riga Technical University (RTU) has implemented the Central Baltic project Central Baltic Mentoring for Migrant Women Seeking Employment (CeMeWE). The project initially aimed to mentor 100 migrant women in Riga towards employment. While progress was slow at first, the initiative has since grown into a strong community-driven programme that has exceeded its original target. Today, CeMeWE project at RTU demonstrates how structured mentoring combined with active community engagement can create measurable impact.
The first two years were challenging. Although the community opening event attracted 20 participants, attendance gradually declined, and some workshops were attended by only one person. In total, only 30 women were mentored during the first two years. Despite attempts to maintain contact between events, including creating a WhatsApp group at participants’ request, sustained engagement did not develop and it stayed silent.
A turning point came with the involvement of a volunteer and RTU international student, Nadiia Chyzhykova, alongside the project manager, Andra Marta Babre. The project adopted a more community-led approach by onboarding interns and volunteers to support marketing, communication, and event organisation. This strengthened outreach and improved the quality and visibility of activities. As a result, participation increased significantly, with events regularly attracting around 40 attendees instead of the expected 5–10.
Within just two months of strengthening the team with volunteers, the project reached its original goal of mentoring 100 women. Participants received training certificates, improved their employability skills, and in several cases secured internships or other job affiliations. The increased capacity also allowed RTU to expand its programme. In 2025 alone, 40 activities were organised to support migrant women in Riga.
The most attended workshops included “CV Writing”, “LinkedIn for Career Growth”, and “Vision Board Evening”. RTU also organised peer support groups and networking events for the migrant women. In addition, the previously inactive WhatsApp group became an active support platform, where participants began mentoring each other and sharing language-learning and career advice. This peer-driven exchange strengthened the sense of community beyond the formal events.
The experience of the CeMeWE project at RTU highlights the importance of community-building in employment support initiatives. By strengthening volunteer involvement and increasing the frequency and visibility of activities, the project significantly expanded its reach and impact. Most importantly, participants’ success stories, such as women entering internships, gaining employment, or moving closer to the labour market, demonstrate the practical value of the project’s work.
This activity was supported as part of Project – Central Baltic Mentoring for Migrant Women seeking Employment – CeMeWE CB0100070, as Interreg Central Baltic Programme 2021-2027 project co-funded by the European Union.
