The Minister of Finance, “New Unity” politician Arvil Asheraden said after the cooperation meeting of the parties forming the government that the idea of compulsory education up to 18 years of age is discussed among education professionals, but such an issue has not been politically discussed. The “Vienotības” board has not considered such an issue either, Asheraden pointed out.
Economy Minister Viktors Valainis (ZZS) emphasized that there are different estimates that there are “enough” young people who do not continue their studies after the ninth grade. In his opinion, this clearly has a very serious impact on the opportunities of young people to participate in the labor market.
“What kind of solution, whether it would be 12th grade compulsory, should be evaluated by industry experts, including budget options,” said Valaniis, expressing the opinion that a solution to this problem must be found.
On the other hand, the chairman of the “Progressive” faction Andris Shuvajevs said that there was no discussion about it in the party, and from the beginning a conversation was needed with the members of the faction responsible for education issues. “But if such an issue is brought forward, we will of course be open to discussion,” said the deputy.
As reported by TV3’s program “Neka personalisa”, the Ministry of Education and Science has an idea to make education up to the age of 18 mandatory. However, the plan does not yet have a concrete outline, so it is not yet clear what it could look like and what it would mean for young people.
Agita Zariņa-Stūre (JV), chairwoman of the Saeima’s Education, Culture and Science Commission, states that school is the main foundation point, and it is important that young people do not drop out of the education system.
Meanwhile, Minister of Welfare Uldis Augulis (ZZS), who previously emphasized that it is necessary to think about how to involve several thousand young people who do not study or work in the labor market, thinks that one of the solutions could be to make secondary education mandatory.
As “Nothing personal” notes, it has been talked about louder and quieter for a long time. In 2017, the Minister of Education at the time, Kārlis Šadurskis, stated that the refusal of compulsory secondary education was one of the biggest mistakes.
The program says that there are 27,000 young people in Latvia who do not study or work.
2024-10-07 17:00:31