The Parliament of Latvia, known as Saeima, has passed important amendments to the National Defense Training and Youth Guard law that will allow all high school students, including those enrolled in distance learning and remote education, to participate in national defense training. This initiative aims to ensure equal access to crucial training for young people regardless of their educational path, addressing the growing importance of preparedness for crisis situations. Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, this training will become mandatory in traditional high school settings while being available for students in various educational formats.

The implementation of this training is overseen by the Youth Guard Center, which emphasizes the program's role in providing young individuals with essential skills needed for responding to crises and enhancing civic awareness. The amendments signify a critical step towards integrating defense education into the broader curriculum, reinforcing the necessity for youths to understand the national security system in Latvia. Authors of the amendment highlighted the importance of this education during the high school stage, as it prepares students not only to act effectively in emergencies but also to bolster their psychological resilience.

In providing equal access to national defense education, these changes reflect a proactive approach in Latvia’s educational policy, targeting the formation of a well-informed and resilient youth population. The Saeima's Press Service notes that this move is part of a broader goal to strengthen citizenship consciousness among young people, which is increasingly vital in today's evolving security landscape, thereby preparing them to become responsible and engaged members of society.