President urges students to learn friendship and debate at school

Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs has urged students to learn not only the subjects in their curricula but also how to build friendships, debate constructively and understand other people’s views, LSM reported in his message marking Knowledge Day on September 1.

“Dear students, teachers and parents, I warmly congratulate everyone on Knowledge Day,” Rinkēvičs said, addressing those who had eagerly awaited the start of the school year as well as those who would have preferred a longer holiday.

Although he visits schools only as a curious guest, the president said September 1 remained a special day for him. He acknowledged that many students might not welcome the return of early-morning alarms, but said the school year would bring learning beyond the curriculum.

Students would learn to make friends, argue wisely, understand different opinions and cope with lessons that did not interest them, he said.

Rinkēvičs also warned that the new school year would include both rewarding and joyful moments and apparently hopeless situations when nothing seemed to work. He urged students to ask for help, saying that learning to seek and find assistance was important for everyone.

Addressing parents, teachers and everyone working in education, the president said schools and all discussions about them existed for the sake of children, so they could move through life more safely and progress further.

“Listen, talk and look for solutions,” Rinkēvičs said, adding that finding the right path would be possible if everyone’s goal was a bright future for children.

He gave a special greeting to first-graders, comparing them to explorers entering a new universe of knowledge and discovery. He said they would gradually investigate this new world alongside other “astronauts” taking their first uncertain steps.

Rinkēvičs wished everyone success and good luck in the new school year.