COVID-19-related educational challenges, solutions similar in Baltic states – Lithuanian minister

  • 2021-04-22
  • LETA/BNS/TBT Staff

VILNIUS – Although the COVID-19 situation at educational establishments in Lithuania is slightly better than in Latvia and Estonia, all three countries are facing similar educational challenges and employing similar solutions, Lithuanian Education, Science and Sport Minister Jurgita Siugzdiniene says.

On Thursday, she attended an informal meeting with Latvian Education and Science Minister Ilga Suplinska and Mart Laidmets, secretary general at Estonia's Ministry of Education and Research, and discussed how the Baltic countries were organizing the education process during the pandemic.

"Although the situation in Lithuania is slightly better and many primary schoolchildren have been attending classes for several weeks now, there are no major differences. Difficulties are similar and they are being dealt with in a similar manner," Siugzdiniene said after the meeting.

Children's return to schools and assistance to children and teachers were discussed during the meeting, the Lithuanian ministry said, and it was also agreed to hold similar meetings and share the latest experience one a month.

The ministers also exchanged their knowledge of ways to ensure safety at schools, to compensate for the lost learning time and planned measures. All three countries plan summer schools for children.

Primary schoolchildren are now allowed to attend classes in Lithuania but they need to undergo regular testing in many municipalities. School-leavers will also be able to return to schools as of May 3.