Latvian authorities do not know where more than 3,000 Ukrainian children have gone 0 12

In the Register of Natural Persons, 6,977 Ukrainians under the age of 17 are registered, while in the State Information System of Education, as of the beginning of October this year, 3,687 children were registered in kindergartens and grades 1–12. Where have 3,290 children gone?

Researchers refer to statements made by representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science at a parliamentary commission meeting on October 15, where the responsibility of municipalities was highlighted. However, according to surveys conducted by "Providus", the collection of information is fragmented: children in primary grades are most often identified, while middle school students are less frequently noted.

The study shows that some Ukrainian children are not included in the Latvian education system for various reasons. Primarily, parents choose this path due to the language barrier and negative experiences in schools — including cases of bullying and lack of adaptation support, the researchers conclude.

Additionally, some families plan to return to Ukraine or believe that parents should have the freedom to choose the form of their child's education. Other reasons include difficulties in combining education under Latvian and Ukrainian programs, as well as the desire for the child to continue learning in their native language.

The "Providus" survey shows that most Ukrainian parents consider education in Latvian to be optional. Among those whose children are already studying in Latvian schools, 37% of parents agree that their children should learn in Latvian according to the Latvian educational program. Among parents whose children attend Ukrainian educational centers in Latvia, only 5% agree.

Previous studies have already pointed out obstacles to the integration of Ukrainian children into the Latvian education system, among which the language barrier and differences in the level of support from municipalities stand out.