Every year, several schools of Riga municipality implement the European Union (EU) projects. 32 schools of Riga municipality participate in 61 European Union projects in 2024, including commencement of 14 new projects during which teachers improve their professional competence to be able to implement a high-quality teaching process. Projects are also related to improvement of digital skills, improvement of skills in foreign language, improvement of the learning environment, improvement of skills in STEM subjects, etc.
“I wish to express immense gratitude to all schools of Riga which give additional energy and time each year to implement various projects of the European Union programmes to promote the quality of education and sustainable development. Involvement of schools in these projects is important not only for the purposes of improving the educational process but also for development of pupils’ social and digital skills, as well as professional growth of teachers. When I myself participated in my first Erasmus project, I gained not only new knowledge and skills, but also unforgettable international contacts and experience which later helped me in creation of a more open and inclusive learning environment and motivated me to continue my work in the area of education. Such mobility and cooperation is irreplaceable in making Riga into a city with a high-quality education where each teacher and pupil receives an opportunity to grow and develop,” said Laima Geikina, the Chairperson of the Committee for Education, Culture and Sports of Riga City Council.
To promote learning mobility, as well as cooperation, quality, inclusiveness, fairness, excellence, creativity, and innovation of persons and groups in the area of education, it is possible to participate in Erasmus+ programme to receive accreditation by means of which schools may become involved in cross-border exchange and partnership. Received Erasmus+ accreditation proves that the applicant has prepared a plan for implementation of high-quality mobility activities as a part of a broader development strategy of their organisation. 11 schools in Riga have received Erasmus+ accreditation. The aims of the accredited projects are improvement of teaching and learning quality, as well as promoting creation of the European education space. Study mobility provides opportunities to gain learning and professional experience in the EU Member States.
Some of the major accredited mobility projects for pupils and school staff this year are as follows:
- For Riga State German Grammar School with an aim to develop social and cognitive skills of pupils, their foreign languages and digital competences, as well as improve the professional qualification of teachers to ensure a high-quality study process. Budget of the project is EUR 65,185.
- For Riga 22nd Secondary School with an aim to improve professional competences of teachers, promoting sustainable development of the school, expanding cooperation options and experience exchange in training pupils on an international level. Budget of the project is EUR 61,185.
- For Riga 6th Secondary School, for targeted improvement of the study process in the school, gaining a broader experience and improving the school environment, as well as to attract international visiting lecturers in the process of providing education and to motivate the pupils to improve their learning performance. Budget of the project is EUR 57,339.
The aim of all projects implemented by schools is to promote higher quality of education and sustainable development in schools of Riga.
Other schools of Riga municipality also implement ambitious projects with various aims: to develop the awareness of the European citizenship in pupils; to create an inclusive educational environment for pupils with special needs; as well as to improve digital skills and safe digital policy. The projects will see to creation of outdoor spaces and urban gardens suitable for study environment, as well as support provided to participation of pupils in decision-making.
During the period of ten years, 66 schools of the capital have implemented 310 EU projects in Riga municipality. The most projects have been implemented by Riga Rainis Secondary School, Riga State 3rd Grammar School and Riga English Grammar School. Some schools also implement several simultaneous projects during a year.
In 2023, the project of Riga State 2nd Grammar School under the title of “The new trends in economics and business” received the annual Nordplus Junior Aurora Award. The project is implemented since 2022 and includes exchange trips of classes on such topics as social business, circular economy and participation economy. The award spotlights the most successful projects of Nordplus youth sub-programme, as well as praises achievements of students, teachers, schools, and other organisations. This year, the project “Development of physical activity methods for children with functional disorders” coordinated by Riga 5th Primary School - Development Centre has been nominated for the award. As a part of the project, the digital methodological material has been created for sports teachers to use in their work with pupils with functional disorders, including methods to motive and inspire pupils towards a more active participation in sports lessons. A total of 12 study methods have been combined and have been translated into Latvian, English, Estonian, and Lithuanian.
A slight fall in the number of projects implemented in schools of Riga municipality has been observed during the last years, and it can be explained as an effect of COVID-19. A part of projects that could not be implemented during COVID-19 have been extended and are implemented over a longer period.
Information was prepared by: Sindija Grāvere, Project Coordinator of the External Communication Division of the Communication Department of the Riga local government, e-mail: sindija.gravere@riga.lv.