To develop and implement a unified process for teaching the Latvian language to adults next year, 930,301 euros is lacking, according to data from the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) presented at the Saeima commission meeting.
In 2027, an additional 467,712 euros will be needed, and in 2028, another 458,212 euros. In total, nearly 2 million euros.
Deputy Jurgis Klotins (National Alliance) inquired where the ministry would obtain this money. A representative of the Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) replied that it could be taken from the budget intended for teaching Ukrainians the Latvian language.
But what, don’t Ukrainians need to learn the language? Linda Jakobson-Gavala, a board member of the organization "Gribu palīdzēt bēgļiem" (I Want to Help Refugees), pointed out that the Ministry of Culture wants to introduce a new requirement: Ukrainians must master the Latvian language at a basic level (A2) within two years of receiving temporary protection, and within five years — to the extent necessary for performing professional duties, as determined by the Cabinet of Ministers.
She noted that reducing funding while simultaneously introducing such requirements may not lead to the desired outcome. According to her, it has always been emphasized how important it is for Ukrainians to know the Latvian language, as this significantly increases their employability.
Additionally, she pointed out that the program includes Latvian language courses for Ukrainian children, and for those who do not study in Latvian schools, this is practically the only opportunity to learn the language.
The lady from the MoES informed the deputies that her department plans to create a unified system for teaching the state language to adults — regardless of their nationality. It is expected that this platform will eliminate the existing fragmentation of language courses in Latvia.
During the meeting, the deputies expressed confusion as to why the ministry has not yet gathered current data on the situation. "At least to know where Latvian is currently being studied, how much money is being spent from the budget, and what the return is — isn’t this still unknown?" exclaimed the chairman of the commission, Gunars Kutris (Union of Greens and Farmers).
The MoES representative sheepishly admitted that the current situation is indeed not visible. "Until we create a unified system for data accumulation, we will not be able to see current information," she said.
Kutris began to instruct her — it would have been enough to send letters to 14 ministries and 42 municipalities: "Sending 50 emails — and we would already know the situation. Is it really impossible to collect this data in the country without a computer system?" Unfortunately, a clear answer did not follow.
As previously reported, the State Audit Office concluded in its audit that the implemented policy of a cohesive society is not targeted and does not yield measurable results — it is unclear, fragmented, and ineffective.
