Seventeen-year-old Samanta lives in Ilūkste, a small town in southeast Latvia. A passionate folk dancer, student council member, and former youth parliamentarian, she’s never shied away from a new challenge. When she spotted a social media post about the Youth Opportunities Ambassadors Programme, she applied without hesitation. ‘Why not? I'm always open to new adventures and eager to learn something new.’
Supported through the British Council’s People to People programme, the initiative brings together young people from across Latvia’s Latgale region to develop leadership and media literacy skills. After three days of intensive training, Samanta and the other ambassadors organised school visits to promote youth opportunities and encourage civic engagement.
She visited five schools and spoke to over 360 students. Presenting at her own school was the hardest—’I worried about their reactions’—but the support of classmates helped her grow more confident. Over time, she learned to manage nerves, speak with clarity, and make her sessions relatable. ‘Sometimes, it felt like they would run off to apply for opportunities as soon as the bell rang!’
One visit in particular stayed with her: a small rural school where teachers told her they rarely receive guests. ‘Everybody was happy to see me.’ Now, Samanta is mentoring the next generation of ambassadors. ‘I reminded them that there are no limits to what they can achieve.’
She’s not yet sure where the future will take her—but she knows she wants to help others find their path. ‘I love sharing my experiences and giving others the confidence that they can succeed.’