Words and photographs by Zifan Zhang
In today’s complex Latvian society, the young generation is actively reshaping the country’s future. They are addressing identity challenges in various ways, including bridging social divides stemming from the Soviet legacy, tackling the mental health crisis, advocating for gender equality, and engaging with national security concerns.
By fostering religious dialogue, promoting historical education, providing psychological support, championing gender advocacy, and participating in political processes, they are building a more resilient social landscape amidst the tension between tradition and modernity.
Two female soldiers walk past the Freedom Monument in central Riga during a shift change on March 22, 2025. The monument, honoring soldiers killed in the Latvian War of Independence, is guarded around the clock.Project description: In today’s complex Latvian society, the young generation is actively reshaping the country’s future. They are addressing identity challenges in various ways, including bridging social divides stemming from the Soviet legacy, tackling the mental health crisis, advocating for gender equality, and engaging with national security concerns. By fostering religious dialogue, promoting historical education, providing psychological support, championing gender advocacy, and participating in political processes, they are building a more resilient social landscape amidst the tension between tradition and modernity.Zifan Zhang
Marks Burja, 20, poses for a portrait in his apartment building in Cukurfabrika, a small city near Riga. He studied computer engineering but now works in a casino. Like Marks, many graduates in Latvia find themselves in jobs unrelated to their field of study, often due to a lack of experience or skills demanded by employers. Mark’s experience also underscores a sense of disillusionment, as he discovered his interests lie more in social interaction than in the tech field he initially pursued.Zifan Zhang