Preparing a child for school costs at least EUR 250, yet more than a third of Latvian families have a budget of under EUR 100

For many Latvian families, the start of a new school year brings not only the excitement of returning to school, but also significant financial and emotional pressure. In reality, not every household has sufficient resources to simply provide a child with everything needed for school – from notebooks to clothing and footwear, according to a survey* conducted by “Akropole Latvija”.

The survey data show that for more than a third of the families surveyed across Latvia (37 %), the budget allocated for preparing a child for school does not exceed EUR 100, even though more than half of parents (64 %) acknowledge that the actual school costs range from EUR 100 to more than EUR 500. This lack of funds encourages parents to look for more affordable solutions – nearly half of families (46 %) actively look for discounts before the school year begins, while 29 % rely on reusing items from previous years. Likewise, when choosing school supplies, price and quality remain the determining factors, often pushing the child’s personal preferences and wishes into the background. 

Alongside financial issues, parents are also preoccupied with several other important concerns. The survey shows that more than half of parents (55 %) are primarily concerned about their child's emotional well-being before the start of the school year. While 41 % worry most about academic performance, an even greater concern than direct school-related expenses (36 %). Other significant concerns include bullying at school, which worries 28 % of parents, and the impact of the digital environment, including social media use, screen time and cybersecurity (23 %).

“Preparing for a new school year is an emotionally intense period for many families, and the financial burden only adds to this pressure. While concerns about back-to-school expenses remain high every year, parents are primarily focused on their children's emotional well-being and a smooth return to the school routine. Therefore, any practical support that helps provide children with the essentials they need for school also helps reduce parents' stress. At the same time, the survey data show that children generally look forward to the new school year with a positive attitude – 49 % of parents say their children feel calm about returning to school. Meanwhile, 31 % of children experience some anxiety, but are able to cope with it successfully,” says Linda Ezera, Head of the market research centre “Norstat Latvija”.

To support families for whom the beginning of the school year represents a significant financial burden, “AKROPOLE” shopping and entertainment centres, together with the charity organisation Ziedot.lv, the Latvian Parents' Organisation, and other partners, are organising the charity campaign “Let’s Help Prepare for School Together!” for the seventh consecutive year. In August, residents are invited to donate new clothing, footwear, stationery and other school essentials, as well as provide financial support for children from low-income families.

“For seven years now, we have been organising this charity campaign because we know that the start of the school year continues to be a serious financial challenge for many families. This year, we are seeing an even greater need for support – 275 families have already applied for support, more than double the number from last year. That is why we aim to involve the public even more actively by complementing the campaign with several special charity activities, including the opportunity to skate with members of the Latvian national ice hockey team and visit a charity market where handmade products prepared by participating families will be available in exchange for donations. We truly believe that even what may seem like a small donation can make a meaningful difference, helping every child begin the new school year with confidence and equal opportunities,” says Kaspars Beitiņš, CEO of SIA ”Akropole Latvija”. 

This year, the campaign will take place from 3 to 29 of August, inviting everyone in Latvia to support families with school-aged children who are facing financial hardship.

Everyone is encouraged to take part in the campaign by donating new school essentials, including stationery, clothing, footwear and other useful items. Donation boxes will be available at “AKROPOLE Alfa” and “AKROPOLE Rīga” shopping centres. Visitors are invited to leave school supplies for children in the designated donation boxes, with many of the required items also available for purchase at stores located within the shopping centres. Financial donations can also be made via the Ziedot.lv cashless donation stands at both “AKROPOLE” shopping and entertainment centres or by bank transfer through the “Let’s Help Prepare for School Together!” section on the www.ziedot.lv website.

*The survey on how Latvian families with school-aged children prepare for the new school year was conducted in cooperation with the market research agency “Norstat” in July 2026, commissioned by “AKROPOLE” shopping and entertainment centres. The survey included 502 Latvian residents aged 25 to 65 from households with school-aged children.