Viktorija Necajeva
2022 IVLP Impact Award Project: Life Stories of Ukrainian Refugees in Foreign CountriesLatvia
Viktorija Necajeva has worked as the editor-in-chief and a member of the board of “Vietējā Latgales Avīze” for the last 10 years. The magazine, published weekly in the region of Latgale, is produced in the languages Latvian and Latgalian and reaches thousands of people. She received her bachelor’s degree in public law and has a master’s degree in law. In her continued education, she learned basic accounting and photography and participated in the Soros Foundation debate exchange experience in the European Parliament in Brussels. Viktorija is also a proud mother of two children.
She believes journalism is a field where she can realize the joy of communication and collaboration with people from different industries. She enjoys knowing that her magazine articles, interviews, projects and photo reports make a difference in society.
IVLP Impact Award Project: Life Stories of Ukrainian Refugees in Foreign Countries
This project collected information from 13 Ukrainian refugees in the Preili municipality of Latvia. A series of the refugees’ life stories were created, illustrating daily life, schooling for children, job opportunities, future plans, and thoughts about what is happening in Ukraine right now. It aimed to open eyes to those in Latvia who currently are unaware of the struggles of those fleeing Ukraine into the country.
Her stories are estimated to have reached more than 10,000 people. Her publications connected the interviewees with different opportunities and support systems in Latvia. For example, some Ukrainian students were given laptops to distance learn, a young woman was offered a job on a farm, and another man was offered a job in carpentry.
IVLP Exchange Experience
Viktorija was a participant in the IVLP Project 21st Century ChangeMakers: Supporting Independent Regional Media: Ethical and Accountable Reporting and Sustainable Business Models, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center.
Viktorija's exchange experience led to the development of her IVLP Impact Award Project: "In September of 2021 I took part in a virtual program offered by the IVLP team. In April of 2022, I visited the USA in person. In each place, I acquired priceless experience that I can use in my job in journalism."
U.S. Communities Visited Virtually
Washington DC; Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; Santa Fe, NM