Feb 22 • 11:12 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Transition to Latvian Language in Preschools: Progress Visible, but Challenges Remain

Latvian preschools are seeing progress in transitioning to the Latvian language, but significant challenges still persist.

The article discusses the ongoing transition to teaching in the Latvian language at preschools, highlighting the involvement of various education officials and experts. Rolands Ozols, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Science, emphasizes that recent survey results show positive dynamics in changing language use among families. Currently, 31% of children are using Latvian exclusively in education, suggesting a shift towards greater acceptance of the language in early childhood education.

Experts involved in the pilot project aimed at supporting this transition agree that while progress has been made, there are still numerous challenges that need to be addressed. Jana Buboviča from the Rīga Municipality's Education Department, alongside others, discusses the importance of continuous support and resources for both educators and families to facilitate a smoother transition. Improving the educational infrastructure and providing adequate language training for teachers are seen as essential steps for the successful implementation of this policy.

The article indicates that societal attitudes are changing, but it stresses the need for further efforts to ensure that all stakeholders are on board for a fully integrated transition. With the aim of increasing the percentage of children educated in Latvian, the Ministry emphasizes monitoring and feedback mechanisms to refine the process continually. The initiative is crucial not only for language preservation but also for strengthening national identity among young Latvian citizens.

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