Latvia Takes Lead in European Education with Focus on Well-Being and Core Values
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
As of August 2025, Latvia has officially taken over the Presidency of the European School System, marking a proud and forward-looking milestone in the country’s educational journey. This role gives Latvia the opportunity to influence educational policy and practice across Europe, especially at a time when social well-being, values education, and emotional resilience are seen as essential to the learning experience.
Under this new leadership role, Latvia will lead key initiatives focused on enhancing the quality of education and nurturing supportive school environments. The primary focus will be on reinforcing shared European values, improving teacher and student well-being, encouraging inclusive learning, and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.
A Values-Based Education for the Future
One of the major themes of Latvia’s Presidency is to strengthen the foundation of European values in school systems. These include respect for human rights, democracy, social responsibility, and cultural understanding. Latvia believes that schools are not only academic spaces but also places where young people learn how to become active, ethical members of society.
To achieve this, Latvia aims to integrate values education into daily school life. This will not just be part of lessons but will shape the overall culture of schools—creating safe, respectful, and engaging environments for all learners.
Well-Being at the Core of Learning
Latvia’s education strategy places strong emphasis on the emotional and psychological well-being of both students and teachers. Recognising the growing global concern over student stress, burnout, and disengagement, Latvia is setting an example by promoting systems that support mental health and emotional development.
This includes providing more resources for schools to build inclusive, supportive communities where every student feels valued. For teachers, it means creating a work environment where they can thrive professionally and personally. When teachers are supported, they are better able to inspire, guide, and care for their students.
Bringing Schools Together Across Borders
Another important goal of the Presidency is to enhance cooperation among schools throughout Europe. Latvia will lead efforts to create stronger links between accredited European schools, allowing for the exchange of best practices, joint initiatives, and mutual learning.
By fostering dialogue and collaboration, Latvia is helping to build a more unified and responsive European education space—one where schools, teachers, and learners benefit from the strengths of others, regardless of national borders.
Celebrating Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
Latvia is also championing multilingual education and cultural diversity. As part of the Presidency, it will encourage policies that support the teaching of national languages alongside international ones. This approach helps students appreciate the richness of their heritage while also preparing them for a globalised world.
By promoting multiple languages and cultures in schools, Latvia strengthens students’ communication skills, cultural awareness, and future career opportunities—key qualities in today’s interconnected society.
A Positive Example for All of Europe
Latvia’s leadership role is not just symbolic; it is an opportunity to put progressive educational ideas into action. The country’s focus on well-being, inclusion, shared values, and international cooperation reflects a deep understanding of what modern education should look like.
This Presidency marks a turning point, showing how a nation can use its vision and experience to help shape education for an entire continent. Latvia is offering a model of how schools can be places of both academic excellence and human development.
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