A safe and supporting environment is important for everyone and even more so in childhood and adolescence when one’s personality is forming. According to a survey, in 70% of cases the overall wellbeing of adolescents is influenced by trust within the family. Real estate developer “Merks mājas” has been highlighting the role of home and the community for a number of years now and this year has partnered with the "Dod pieci!” (High Five!) charity marathon which aims to raise awareness of the daily challenges of children and young people at risk. Every one of us has the opportunity to not only support these young people by donating, but also to evaluate their own attitude towards the community.
“The ongoing support and cooperation with the Adolescent Resource Centre has repeatedly demonstrated the crucial role of the daily environment of young people because it directly impacts their opinions, beliefs and actions. It is so important for children to grow up in a safe environment alongside their family who are there for them in all situations of life and ready to support them when necessary. Young people experience many changes during adolescence – both physical and emotional, therefore it is important that at this moment adults, such as parents, are by their side and are prepared and willing to listen to the children and hear them. Most often in fact, meaningful conversation is what young people want most”, explains Andris Bišmeistars, head of Merko Ehitus group of companies in Latvia.
In 2022, partnering with the Adolescent Resource Centre, “Merks mājas” launched the Everything Starts from Home initiative aiming to raise awareness of the factors affecting the development of young people. A study demonstrated that 70% of young people rate mutual trust in the family as very important, while for one in four freedom and the opportunity to be alone are crucial. Chairperson of the Board of the Adolescent Resource Centre Liene Dambiņa explains that although young people demonstrate the wish to “distance” themselves from the family focusing more on their peers, parents and home are still very important to them.
“When a child or teenager slams the door in front of the parents and demonstrate dissatisfaction, it is when they need their parents’ support the most. Our experience in working with young people clearly shows that those young people whose parents are actively involved in building and maintaining relationships achieve better results at school, for example, and are more motivated to develop and grow in general. We genuinely appreciate the support for young people and their parents by “Merks mājas” because everything indeed starts from home. Home is where a child starts learning the relationship models, communication and mutual trust, therefore every parent should foster an environment where the members of the family, including children, feel safe and are heard,” adds Liene Dambiņa.
Each child and adolescent deserve a home where they are welcome. To provide support and care to those whom the society often chooses to ignore, the charity initiative "Dod pieci!” (High Five!) is currently raising awareness about teenagers at risk. “Merks mājas” has donated 10 000 euros to help children with behavioural issues receive the necessary practical and emotional support.