Feb 27 • 05:16 UTC 🇱🇻 Latvia LSM

Money Problems in Schools Will No Longer Be Solved – The Transition to Latvian-Language Instruction is Also Hampered by the Lack of Specialists

Schools in Latvia face persistent issues with funding and a shortage of specialized staff, impacting the transition to Latvian-language instruction.

Latvia's education system is grappling with significant financial and staffing challenges that hinder the successful implementation of Latvian-language instruction. Each year, the state allocates between three to four million euros to schools, yet it is reported that a substantial portion of this funding remains unspent, highlighting issues with resource management and the availability of trained staff. The shortages are particularly acute for specialists like speech therapists and special education teachers, which are critical for supporting students with varying levels of proficiency in the Latvian language.

The Riga City Council has taken measures to address these challenges by providing four million euros from its budget that schools can use at their discretion to recruit necessary personnel. The language agency is also active in offering training courses for teachers, which signals an effort to improve the educational infrastructure and capabilities of schools in the transition process. There are consultations provided to schools, indicating a proactive approach by educational authorities to ensure that institutions are adequately supported during this period of adjustment.

Despite these initiatives, the ongoing transition to a unified school system continues to face obstacles, primarily due to the ineffective utilization of allocated funds and the persistent deficit of qualified educators. As the state's commitment to funding remains firm, it raises questions about the strategic implementation of these resources and the overall readiness of the education system to meet the demands of a fully Latvian-language curriculum, which is vital for the country's cultural and linguistic coherence.

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