On Friday, 27 April, the Education, Culture and Science Committee of the Youth Parliament elaborated a declaration on “Participation of children and youths in shaping a modern educational system”, which states that there is a need to balance theoretical and practical components of school curricula so that they aid students in making the right career choice. Ina Druviete, Chairperson of the Education, Culture and Science Committee of the Saeima, stressed the significant role of education in one’s social and personal life and pointed out the need for continuous evolution of the education system.
In preparing the declaration, the members of the Youth Parliament mainly discussed what a contemporary and competitive school curriculum should be like. The youths agreed that it is necessary to strike a healthy balance between the theoretical and practical components of school curricula. However, there was a divergence of opinions in regard to the need for a course devoted to career guidance. Kristīne Kasparova, a freshman at the University of Latvia, said that students should choose what to do after graduating secondary school without prompting or pressure. Toms Jansons, a senior at the Grammar School of Nordic Languages, was of the opinion that career guidance should be provided already in primary school.
Following a lengthy debate, the youths agreed that school curricula should also contain a patriotic component. For example, Anna Lisenoka from the Krāslava State Gymnasium argued that patriotism is essential, but if it is not rooted in the family, the school cannot teach it.
The members of the Youth Parliament also discussed whether secondary school scholarships would motivate students to perform better. Some of the youths maintained that even financial support would not motivate failing or disinterested students, while others insisted that such scholarships would not only improve performance but also create a positive attitude towards the learning process as a whole.
On Friday, 27 April, students from all regions of Latvia participated in the 2nd Youth Parliament held at the Saeima. Their activity mirrored the work of the Saeima, as well as the legislative process. The Youth Parliament had four committees and adopted four declarations on the following subjects: education, the economy, European affairs and human rights.
The Youth Parliament is organised by the Saeima in cooperation with Transparency International department in Latvia Delna, and the Children’s Forum of Latvia. Publicity is provided by the social network Draugiem.lv and Latvian Television. The event is also supported by the European Commission Representation in Latvia and the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.
Photos from the 2nd Youth Parliament are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/saeima/sets/72157629909530285/with/7118226655/
Saeima Press Service