North Vidzeme senior school begins classes in October

A new senior school has opened in northern Vidzeme, with classes beginning in October. LSM reported that 25 senior schools across Latvia received support from the Society Integration Foundation this autumn, including two in Valmiera municipality.

The first session of the North Vidzeme Senior School took place at Rujiena Tautskola, an adult education school, and introduced participants to the subjects on offer. The school was established by the Valmiera Municipality Foundation in cooperation with local senior associations.

Classes will cover five broad themes, including digital and health literacy, theoretical subjects relevant to older people, and lifelong learning. Participants will be able to learn cooking skills and handicrafts. Organisers are also inviting seniors to share their own expertise during sessions.

Valmiera Municipality Social Affairs Administration head Kaija Muceniece said lifelong learning can help seniors keep pace with changes, including in digital skills, cybersecurity and data protection. She also stressed the importance of social inclusion, saying that learning and taking part in activities can help older people remain active and involved in society.