The story of one family, which has sown fear in several schools for years, has led to injuries to children, the departure of educators, and the silence of institutions. This case, according to the head of the Latvian Union of Education and Science Workers Inga Vanaga, has exposed a systemic failure of protection in Latvian education.
After a story about violence in school gained widespread attention on social media, Inga Vanaga provided a detailed comment. According to her, in such situations, everyone suffers — children, parents, and educators — while someone tries to protect their position.
Vanaga immediately emphasized that the story published by the family and the case she described are different events. "The events published by the family have nothing to do with the case I described. These are two different events," she writes. At the same time, she admits that she decided to share her story out of gratitude to the family that dared to speak publicly: "I am grateful to the brave family that shared their experience and encourages others not to remain silent."
According to Vanaga, this is one of the most severe cases of violence in the educational process, affecting many people over the years. "This is probably the longest story I have told on Facebook about violence from one family that has harmed and continues to harm many," she notes. She states that some have already burned out, others are afraid, several teachers have resigned, and some simply no longer want to fight.
"Meanwhile, children, educators, and parents suffer, institutions exchange letters for years, and regulatory bodies check something from time to time. And so — for years."
Vanaga consciously does not name the municipalities or the school. According to her, both involved municipalities did everything to keep the information from coming to light. "Some continue to fight, while others are glad to be rid of the child and the family that have been aggressive and problematic for years," she writes.
The problems, according to Vanaga, began in preschool age when it was clear that the child needed support. However, neither the family nor the responsible institutions likely did everything necessary. As a result, violence was repeated in three educational institutions. The union received a request for help from one of its members. It was about a child who "regularly and for a long time exhibited violence towards classmates and teachers." The parents also behaved aggressively, including towards the class teacher.
"Once, the child approached the teacher with a pencil and asked if she knew what would happen to her if he stabbed it into her neck," Vanaga recounts. Throwing objects became the norm, and conflicts only escalated.
Two teachers left the school, others continued to work but "were only with the child together because it was scary to be alone." Even the school psychologist faced pressure from the parents. Meanwhile, officially, the child had no diagnosis. "And with the health documents, everything is fine with the child. Believe me, and this can be arranged if the parents have connections. And they do," writes Vanaga.
The turning point was when the child's father publicly, in front of witnesses, began to choke the teacher right in the school. This, according to Vanaga, became the "salvation of the school." It was decided that the parents would take the child away, and the administration was asked to cover up the situation since "everything ended well."
"This was the biggest mistake. The police should have been called," she emphasizes.
Next, the child transferred to a school in another municipality, where the story repeated itself: affected students and educators, departure of specialists, injuries, threats, and legal disputes. "The child became older and physically stronger," notes Vanaga.
Despite this, parents continue to complain to all possible instances, claiming that their child is being bullied. The school and part of the municipality are trying to find solutions, but, according to Vanaga, "the hands are too short," and the political power could be "more active and bolder."
"Due to one family, dozens of educators and students have suffered for years, many institutions are involved, but the goal has not been achieved — to help the child, protect others, and hold accountable those who should be accountable," she summarizes.
Many teachers could report to the police or court, but "there are few brave ones." People fear losing their jobs, the reputation of the municipality, or facing influential parents. "Someone might say: if you are so afraid, then endure and be silent," writes Vanaga.
She emphasizes that the story is not over yet, but expresses hope that the end is near. From the union's side, she says, everything possible is being done. "I still urge — do not be silent and do not be afraid. We, adults, are responsible for the safety of all children, including the safety of an aggressive child in their own family," Vanaga emphasizes.
In conclusion, she appeals to the regulatory bodies to pay closer attention to what is happening with children in families. "Let’s not wait for the day when we will regret for the rest of our lives that we did not protect someone, especially a child, when we could have done so."
Leave a comment