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BalticHUB study visits to Vilnius, Lithuania, and Oslo, Norway, proved to be a remarkable journey of cooperation and learning. These visits were not just exploring new horizons; they were planting seeds for significant change and strengthening ties that will yield lasting results.
We are pleased to announce that, thanks to the support of the Nordic Council of Ministers, we are expanding the infrastructure and activities of Baltic Hub, working with partner organizations in Lithuania and Norway. This expansion is an exciting milestone in our journey to provide support to refugees in the region.
Valuable Lessons
In Vilnius, we immersed ourselves in the work of Demetra, an organization known for its comprehensive support for people living with HIV, especially those from marginalized groups such as the vibrant LGBT+ community. The visit to Vilnius was a treasure trove of lessons learned. It shed light on innovative ways to advocate for rights, provide support and engage the community. The active exchange of ideas with Demetra was an important achievement. In Oslo, our journey brought us to three leading organizations – HIVNorge (HIV Norway), Helseutvalget (Gay and Lesbian Health Norway) and Axept Church Mission. It was a true journey of discovery, enriching our treasure chest of knowledge. The visits to Oslo were enlightening and exposed us to best practices in advocacy, clinical services, psychosocial support and community integration. The importance of these visits cannot be overemphasized; they provide us with the tools to remain at the forefront of support.
Why it’s important
These study visits are at the heart of BalticHUB’s mission, a mission born in response to the refugee crisis in Ukraine in 2022. From the beginning, our goal was clear – to provide unwavering support to Ukrainian refugees living with HIV, the vibrant LGBT+ community and other vulnerable groups. Expanding our network to include organizations from Estonia, Latvia and Finland has changed the game. It reinforces our role as an important mechanism for providing urgently needed services.
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