The candle-making workshops organised by Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vilnius for foreign nationals are not only a creative activity, but also an important social integration initiative that helps people find their place in society, strengthen their independence, and acquire practical work skills.
The candle workshops are held at the premises of Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vilnius. During the sessions, participants make various types of candles together, learn about the production process, and develop responsibility and work discipline. The most important aspect of this initiative is not the product itself, but the individual and their opportunity to feel accepted. The workshops create a safe and supportive environment where participants can build connections, improve their language skills, and gradually integrate into community life.
“Our candle workshops give people the opportunity not only to learn new skills, but also to experience a sense of community, to be heard, and to feel accepted. We see how activities like these help strengthen self-confidence, encourage people to build relationships, and become more actively involved in society,” says Aurelija Deniušytė, representative of Vilnius Archdiocese Caritas.
The candle workshops are organised as one of the activities under the project “Belonging Among Others: Social Integration in the Community”. The project, which implementation is coordinated by Central Project Management Agency, aims to strengthen the involvement of women and children from third countries living in Lithuania in community life, promote their independence, and create more favourable conditions for successful integration into local communities.
This initiative is important not only for its participants but also for society. Integration projects reduce social exclusion, encourage intercultural understanding, and help build a more open community. A person who is given the opportunity to learn, work, and become part of a community adapts more easily to a new country, becomes more independent, and participates more actively in society. Such initiatives strengthen social cohesion and help create an environment based on respect, cooperation, and humanity.
Swiss support provides an opportunity to develop long-term social initiatives in Lithuania that help people not only receive assistance but also become active members of their communities. Activities such as the Caritas candle workshops contribute to building a more open, empathetic, and stronger society in which every individual can feel accepted, needed, and valued.
The project is funded by the Swiss Confederation and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania (Lithuanian – Swiss Cooperation Programme 2024–2029). The project is implemented by SMK University of Applied Social Sciences together with its partners: Caritas of the Archdiocese of Vilnius, VA Caritas Social Projects Charity and Support Fund, Klaipėda County Ieva Simonaitytė Public Library, and Kretinga Museum.
