Debating the suitability of Ukrainian children attending Latvian schools?
In Latvia, a growing number of Ukrainian families are grappling with the decision of whether to enroll their children in local schools or opt for remote jobs in Ukraine.
Darina, a mother of five, residing in Tukums, has chosen the latter for her oldest school-age daughter, who is currently enrolled in an online school in Ukraine for her final year. Meanwhile, her 7th-grade daughter is thriving in remote learning, demonstrating a commendable performance.
Similarly, Natalya and her son, residents of Kėkava, Latvia, are enrolled in an 8th-grade remote learning program at a school in Ukraine. The family's decision was influenced by a lack of communication with the form teacher for a month in a Latvian school.
Not all families, however, have made the same choice. Some Ukrainian children are learning both in Latvia and remotely in Ukraine, while others attend only remote classes in Ukrainian schools. There is no obligation for these children to be registered with the Latvian educational institutions.
The Ministry of Education and Science in Latvia encourages local governments to encourage Ukrainians to participate in the education process in Latvia, but this will not be a mandatory requirement. The Education Law in Latvia allows parents to choose an educational institution for their children.
Linda Jākobsone-Gavala, head of the organisation "I want to help refugees", believes that school in Latvia offers more than just education to Ukrainian children. It provides opportunities for socialising, support services, and face-to-face communication with teachers. She expresses concern that later entry into the Latvian education system may make it more difficult for children to get involved in high school, vocational education, and higher education, potentially leading to exclusion from society.
The Ministry of Education and Science does not plan to involve all Ukrainian children in the Latvian education system on a mandatory basis. Over 3,757 Ukrainian children are currently attending Latvian schools, a testament to the diverse educational landscape in the country.
For families like Darina's, the importance of learning the Latvian language is emphasised. Darina plans to stay in Latvia and is determined to ensure her children become proficient in the language. Her youngest son attends kindergarten, while her son in 5th grade, with a heavy sports school load, is managing to do his homework in Latvian independently.
The family's satisfaction with the remote learning experience in Ukraine extends to their plans for the future. It is planned that the son will graduate secondary school this way. However, the oldest school-age daughter has struggled with education in Latvia, as she had already been doing poorly in school in Ukraine and does not have enough time for both the final year in Ukraine and the Latvian school.
This complex situation underscores the challenges faced by Ukrainian families in Latvia as they navigate the education system, balancing the needs of their children, the language barrier, and the desire for a smooth transition into Latvian society.
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