Eight out of ten Lithuanian child day centres face funding shortages, NGOs say

A new analysis by Lithuania’s National Poverty Reduction Network reveals that around 80% of child day centres lack sufficient funding, with an additional €6.8 million needed next year to cover operational costs.

The organisation’s survey of 325 centres across 58 municipalities found that nearly 73% struggle to pay staff wages, citing a widening gap between state funding and rising expenses. Over the past five years, funding for these centres increased by just 20%, while the minimum monthly wage rose by nearly 80% and inflation reached 36–37%, according to the report published Tuesday.

“Funding growth has lagged far behind key economic indicators, particularly wage increases,” said Aistė Adomavičienė, the network’s director. She called for a 72% funding boost in 2027—from €9.5 million this year to roughly €16.3 million—to offset accumulated shortfalls and account for planned minimum wage hikes.

The proposed increase would support over 510 centres serving more than 14,000 children nationwide. NGOs have also urged authorities to link future funding to minimum wage adjustments, preventing recurrent budget crises.

The National Poverty Reduction Network, the NGO Confederation for Children, and the Lithuanian Child Day Centre Association have formally requested a funding review from the Finance Ministry and relevant parliamentary committees.