Diaspora Latvian schools seek new teachers and ways to engage children

Latvian schools abroad are looking for ways to recruit new teachers and interest children in learning, LSM reported. Educators from the United States, Canada and Europe discussed the challenges at events in Boston marking the 70th anniversary of the World Federation of Free Latvians.

Schools in the diaspora have operated for generations, but recruiting teachers and adapting lessons for a new generation of children have become increasingly pressing issues. Participants shared experiences and took part in discussions and practical workshops.

There are 16 Latvian weekend schools, a preschool and two summer secondary schools in the United States, according to the American Latvian Association. Europe has 47 Latvian schools. While conditions vary by country, many schools face similar challenges.

In many parts of the United States, Latvian schools rely on volunteers. Latvian-language skills also vary among potential teachers, including those from fourth-generation families. Seminar participants discussed how to provide suitable teaching materials, involve parents in school life and help them become teaching assistants or teachers.

“The conference has been very successful because there has really been this exchange of ideas,” said Pēteris Blumbergs, chair of the World Federation of Free Latvians. He said he hoped school principals and teachers would return home inspired to continue teaching Latvian and helping children feel connected to Latvia.

The meeting also marked a change in leadership in the American Latvian Association’s education division. Elisa Freimane stepped down after many years in the role. She said she did not feel she had finished working and would continue contributing for as long as she could.

Freimane said Latvian school is more than language lessons: it is also a place where children make friends and develop a sense of belonging to their community. She encouraged families to visit a school and see whether it might suit them, rather than feeling they had to commit immediately.

Teachers left Boston with new ideas and plans for cooperation.