Due to drone-related threats, schools in eastern Latvia are changing the order of study and examination procedures. In Latgale, some classes have been transitioned to a remote format, and exams are taking place in basements and other safer premises. At the same time, the region has faced a sharp decline in tourist flow.
In recent weeks, everyday life in Latgale has changed significantly. Against the backdrop of reports of possible air threats, schools in the region have begun to adapt the educational process to new safety conditions, reports TV3 News.
In many educational institutions, some students have already been transitioned to remote learning, while state exams and assessments are being conducted in premises considered safer — windowless, on lower floors, or in basements.
At the Maltas Secondary School (in the photo), the assembly hall on the ground floor has been converted for exams.
"Currently, the assembly hall is recognized as relatively safe, meeting these conditions — there are no windows, and it is essentially located in the basement," said the school's deputy director, Sandra Štekele.
In-person classes there are now mainly attended by younger grades and students who are about to take exams. The rest are studying fully or partially remotely.
A similar situation exists in other schools in eastern Latgale. At the Kraslava Secondary School Varavīksne, the examination room has been organized in the school shooting range.
"Today, an exam is taking place there; we have prepared everything so that students feel comfortable," said the school principal, Maria Mickevica.
She added that the school had prepared several action plans in advance in case of an alert.
At the Cibla Primary School, some premises are also being adapted for shelters and examination rooms. Meanwhile, some planned excursions and school trips have already come into question.
For safety reasons, schools in the region are starting to cancel or postpone events, outings, and excursions. Decisions regarding graduation parties have not yet been finalized.
The consequences are being felt not only by schools.
The tourism sector in Latgale has also taken a serious hit. According to representatives of the Latgale Tourism Association, in the past two weeks, the flow of booking cancellations has become almost daily.
Some entrepreneurs have had 30% to 75% of their upcoming orders canceled.
"With each passing day, the situation is becoming increasingly critical," says Elena Kiyashko, chairwoman of the Latgale Tourism Association.
Small family businesses are particularly hard hit, as the summer season is their main source of income.
The association notes that some municipalities have already recommended schools to refrain from trips in Latgale, and school excursions are being canceled en masse.
Now entrepreneurs are asking the government for support. This includes not only financial assistance but also efforts to change the information landscape surrounding the region.
"So that Latgale does not only sound like a place of threats or some military zone in the media space," emphasized Kiyashko.
Among the proposals are tax benefits, support for working capital, and holding more state events specifically in Latgale to help local businesses survive the downturn.
The situation demonstrates how security issues are starting to affect not only the operations of services and schools but also the everyday life of an entire region — from the educational process to the summer tourist season.
Leave a comment