The Riga municipality plans to close 10 kindergartens due to a significant decline in the number of children, amidst opposition claims that these decisions were made without their involvement.
The Riga municipality has announced the closure of 10 kindergartens as the number of children enrolled has drastically fallen, leading to over 2,000 available places across more than 20,000 preschool children in the capital. This decision follows a worrying trend where some neighborhoods have seen a decline in child population by over 50% compared to previous years. The municipal authorities argue that it is more efficient to allocate resources towards maintaining the remaining kindergartens and improving teacher salaries rather than keeping underutilized facilities operational.
Despite public outcry, particularly from parents and residents who submitted requests to keep four of the kindergartens open, the city council has firmly rejected these appeals. Local officials, including Deputy Mayor Vilnis ΔΆirsis, have communicated that while they are aware of the community's concerns, the demographic reality necessitates these closures. They also suggest that, with these changes, alternative care options such as day centers might be established in the areas where kindergartens are being closed.
The proposal has faced criticism from opposition parties, who have raised concerns about transparency and the absence of collaborative decision-making in the reorganization of educational facilities. As Riga adjusts to its demographic shifts, the implications of these closures potentially extend beyond immediate educational access; they may also affect community structures and the dynamics of neighborhoods that traditionally relied on local childcare facilities.
