Funding for school study materials in Latvia could shrink further next year

Latvia may set aside considerably less money for pupils' study materials next year than it does now. The Ministry of Education and Science (IZM), which is responsible for education policy in the country, acknowledges that no additional funding has been found so far. The information was reported by Latvian Television and picked up by the news portal Apollo.lv.

What the figures show

The amount currently earmarked to provide one pupil with study materials is 35.20 euros a year. If no extra money is found, it could drop to 21.80 euros a year next year. The difference per pupil would be 13.40 euros, or roughly 38% of the present amount.

Why it matters

Study materials are a basic part of everyday work in schools, so a change in this sum may affect how much schools are able to buy for their pupils. The source does not specify how exactly the reduction would affect schools and municipalities, nor does it say whether the ministry will keep looking for additional funds. It also does not report any final decisions on next year's funding, so the lower figure remains a possible scenario rather than a settled outcome.