Dear teachers, pupils, educators and students, dear youngsters,
On 1 September you traditionally start a new cycle of learning new facts and skills.
Ideals are built on dreams. Goals cannot exist without ideals, too. I have a dream of Latvian schools and universities being filled with competent teachers and educators, offering high quality of education based on creative teaching approaches. Dream of capable, excellent, empathising, eloquent and convincing educators. Professionals who respect each other, collaborate and engage with students, an environment where professors and educators of various ages are in close dialogue. It is the ideal and goal that I believe all of you, if you are concerned about the quality and accessibility of education across Latvia, should pursue.
First day of school is a good motivation for all of us. No matter what age you are and how many degrees you already hold, we all need to continue education, it is not reserved only to pupils and students – our daily work responsibilities and life constantly demand us to learn new knowledge and skills. That is the only gateway to new concepts and values that spur our national growth.
Today we salute those who fill our schools and universities with lively energy – both those who learn and those who teach. Your passion and experience is a great reassurance for all of us – our common future is in good hands. Hands of smart, educated and capable young people. I wish all of you plenty of energy and strength to keep teaching and, above all, keep learning and growing yourselves.
Greetings on the First Day of School. Enjoy the rest of your academic year!