Education is prerequisite for preserving language and culture - Mierina

RIGA - Education is a prerequisite for preserving language, culture, and identity, emphasized Saeima speaker Daiga Mierina (Greens/Farmers), at a conference on Tuesday regarding development of Polish education in Latvia.

At the conference titled "35 Years Since the Revival of Polish Education in Latvia. The Legacy of Ita Kozakevica and the Future of Polish Schools," Mierina noted that openness to European cultures, languages, and educational opportunities broadens students’ horizons and strengthens a cohesive Latvian society.

The speaker emphasized that, over the past 35 years, Polish schools in Latvia have become a stable and significant part of the national education system. They enable the Polish community in Latvia to maintain ties to their language, history, and culture, while also allowing other students to explore cultural diversity and improve their European language skills.

The conference is dedicated to the importance and development of Polish education in Latvia, as well as to the contribution of Ita Kozakevica, an activist of the Latvian Popular Front and a member of the Supreme Council, to the revival of Polish education. Ita Kozakevica's Riga Polish Secondary School, named in her honor, is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

The event was attended by members of parliament, representatives of the education sector, and diplomats to discuss the current state of Polish education, its achievements, and future challenges.