Overarching goal of education in Latvian is a united society - Kirsis

RIGA - The overarching goal of education exclusively in Latvian - or the introduction of a unified school system - is a unified society, said Riga Vice Mayor Vilnis Kirsis (New Unity) today at the opening of the forum Unified School - Quality of Education, Cooperation, and Performance at the University of Latvia.

As the politician noted, since the restoration of national independence, society has been divided and has lived in several distinct communities. To unify society, he said, we must work with young people and the younger generation. The creation of a unified school system is one of the prerequisites for uniting society, Kirsis said, emphasizing that language is merely a means to that end.

In his view, the discussion should not be limited to the fact that students must know the language upon graduating from school; rather, members of society must be integrated, and bridges must be built between communities that were once divided.

The municipality notes that the Latvian language, as the common language of education, serves not only as the foundation of the learning process but also as an essential tool for improving students’ academic performance, and for strengthening civic participation and a sense of belonging.