On 5 February 2021, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted an online presentation of the most recent research by the Centre for the Diaspora and Migration Studies of the University of Latvia (LU DMPC), “Attracting the young members of the diaspora to education institutions in Latvia”, with participation of its authors, Dr. Rita Kaša and Dr. Olga Cara.
The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, pointed out that the study concerns at least 45 thousand young Latvians worldwide. The findings of research carried out by the institute last year revealed that young people aged 15 to 24 constitute 20% of the Latvian community abroad.
Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica also highlighted three opportunities that should be used to attract the young members of the diaspora to educational institutions in Latvia. Firstly, being aware that youth of the diaspora is part of Latvia’s society, therefore this link should be maintained; secondly, the promotion of higher education exports and the resource circulation associated with it; and thirdly, internationalisation of the student community, which would enrich the study environment in Latvia and make it more interesting.
With the aim of assessing the potential interest of the diaspora about studying in Latvia, the research has yielded vital information concerning the perceptions of the young members of the diaspora about Latvia’s education system, their preparedness to study in Latvia and their needs. In addition, a large scale survey has been carried out comprising more than 60 vocational schools, colleges and higher education institutions in Latvia. The conclusions made will inform policy makers and Latvian vocational and higher education institutions in mapping out strategies to encourage members of the diaspora to utilise the educational opportunities available in Latvia.
The authors of the study drew attention to the conclusions they reached, reflecting a high potential in the demand for higher education among the diaspora. The young members of the diaspora are mainly interested in studying social science, business or law, and these subjects are followed by engineering and the natural sciences, and others. The criteria that are the most important for potential students in choosing where to study abroad are the reputation of the educational system, employment opportunities after completing studies, availability of financial support, and political and social stability.
The researchers also pointed to the importance of language policy as a vital precondition for studies in Latvia. There is a need for Latvian language courses for the young members of the diaspora, since the issue of the Latvian language skills is essential in terms of making education accessible. Consequently, a smart long-term policy is needed to support the preservation of the Latvian language skills among the diaspora.
The Ambassador-at-Large for the Diaspora, Elita Gavele, thanked the researchers for their efforts and she noted that the conclusions and recommendations will provide an impetus for further work with institutions related to the sector. Elita Gavele pointed out that a discussion was launched last year with the Ministry of Education and Science, the Latvian Language Agency and the Society Integration Fund on the preservation of the Latvian language in the context of the diaspora, and seeking new ways of working on this.
In conclusion, the Parliamentary Secretary Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica confirmed that young people are an integral part of our society and of Latvia; therefore, it is of special importance to build and maintain links to Latvia with the young members of the diaspora by facilitating their involvement and inclusion in Latvia’s education system, science and other areas. Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica noted that work will continue jointly with the Ministry of Education and Science and the Latvian community abroad identifying what could be practically accomplished this year.
The research report is available in an electronic form on the LU DMPC website (in Latvian) at https://www.diaspora.lu.lv/petijumi/
For further information: LU DMPC Director, Associate Professor Inta Mieriņa, tel. 25919309.