On the fourth day of their study visit mission to Lithuania, PASCAL, a project funded by the European Union, and the Angolan delegation explored governance experiences in the municipality of Druskininkai.
Located 130 km from the capital Vilnius, Druskininkai received the delegation with a warm welcome from the locals. The visit began with a meeting where the City Administrator gave a presentation of the city. Representatives of civil society detailed the involvement of NGOs and community organizations in local development, including the structure and consultation spaces of the NGO City Council.
Collaboration between local administration and NGOs was evident despite resource challenges. The municipality offers spaces for projects and financing, prioritizing thematic areas.
After the meeting, the delegation visited the Druskininkai Youth Center, the Social Service Center and NGO spaces, all in the same location. The impact of the social work of local NGOs, from assisting people with special needs and the elderly to supporting young people, has been remarkable.
In the second part of the day, the delegation visited the Viečiūnai Community Center, where they were warmly welcomed by the community, with a lunch followed by a cultural program, including dances and cultural demonstrations.