Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

Integration and Minority Information Service

Integration and Minority Information Service
of the Latvian Centre for Human Rights and Ethnic Studies

Newspapers report on a study conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, “Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education,” presented yesterday. Almost half of the minority school teachers and principles surveyed believe that their schools will not be ready to implement the switch of instruction at all secondary schools to Latvian in 2004. The key reason teachers and principles indicate is a not thought through beginning of the reform in 1999. The Ministry of Education offered schools to choose one bilingual education model out of four, but schools did not have time to discuss this choice thoroughly among themselves nor with students’ parents. Authors of the study suggest amending the Law on Education and introducing the following norm: “only those schools that are ready shall switch to studies basically in Latvian in 2004.” The study indicates that Latvian language proficiency of students has improved since bilingual education models were introduced at schools. However, according to the survey, more extensive usage of Latvian does not make students feel more affiliated with Latvia.

Newspapers report on a study conducted by the Baltic Institute of Social Sciences, Analysis of the Implementation of Bilingual Education, presented yesterday. Almost half of the minority school teachers and principles surveyed believe that their schools will not be ready to implement the switch of instruction at all secondary schools to Latvian in 2004. The key reason teachers and principles indicate is a not thought through beginning of the reform in 1999. The Ministry of Education offered schools to choose one bilingual education model out of four, but schools did not have time to discuss this choice thoroughly among themselves nor with students parents. Authors of the study suggest amending the Law on Education and introducing the following norm: only those schools that are ready shall switch to studies basically in Latvian in 2004. The study indicates that Latvian language proficiency of students has improved since bilingual education models were introduced at schools. However, according to the survey, more extensive usage of Latvian does not make students feel more affiliated with Latvia. Diena, Vechernaya Riga, Chas, Telegraf, Panorama Latvii

Telegraf

reports that three Russian schools will not have first grades due to lack of Russian students. The newspaper explains this fact with general demographic tendencies in the country and a decision of many Russian parents to send their children to Latvian schools. reports that three Russian schools will not have first grades due to lack of Russian students. The newspaper explains this fact with general demographic tendencies in the country and a decision of many Russian parents to send their children to Latvian schools.

Diena

reports that the Naturalisation Board continues the citizenship awareness and promotion project. This time the information booth will be located in one of Riga districts, Ziepniekkalns. At the information booth interested people can receive detailed information on the naturalisation procedure and tests. reports that the Naturalisation Board continues the citizenship awareness and promotion project. This time the information booth will be located in one of Riga districts, Ziepniekkalns. At the information booth interested people can receive detailed information on the naturalisation procedure and tests. ChasChas

Chas

reports on filming of the second political show The Russian Issue, which will be aired by two commercial TV channels: TV 5 and LNT. The key discussion subject of the show was Latvias membership in NATO. reports on filming of the second political show “The Russian Issue,” which will be aired by two commercial TV channels: TV 5 and LNT. The key discussion subject of the show was Latvia’s membership in NATO.

Chas

publishes an article about bilingual education. The author of the article looks at the four bilingual education models offered by the Ministry of Education and concludes that all four models have serious flaws. publishes an article about bilingual education. The author of the article looks at the four bilingual education models offered by the Ministry of Education and concludes that all four models have serious flaws.

Vesti Segodnya

reports on the visit of members of the International Roma Organisation. Higher Commissioner of the IRO in Latvia Normunds Rudevics is satisfied with the visit and stresses that the most important thing is that despite the efforts of some political forces to split the Roma community in Latvia, it remains unified. reports on the visit of members of the International Roma Organisation. Higher Commissioner of the IRO in Latvia Normunds Rudevics is satisfied with the visit and stresses that “the most important thing is that despite the efforts of some political forces to split the Roma community in Latvia, it remains unified.”