EDUCATION
Education plays a large role in the creation of
a democratic society and stable economy. Therefore, children and
young people should have access to secondary and higher education
(see Table 7
, Table 8, Figure 21, Figure
22
). Education plays an
important role in the elimination of poverty, combating inequality
and promoting economic prosperity. It also plays an important role
in fostering environment-friendly lifestyles and careful attitudes
to nature protection.
One
of the most acute problems in
Riga
is the increase in the number of children who
do not attend school: these children either do not start compulsory
education at all, or leave school early - without having finished
it. According to unofficial statistics, 2000 children did not attend
school in 1999. The causes for staying out of school are various.
People that are experiencing severe economic hardships find it hard
to send their children to school. The level of education of scantily
paid unskilled labourers is low, hence, lack of motivation for
educating children. This part of society is afflicted by a degree of
apathy that prevents them from seeking ways of social mobility for
themselves and their children. Some children come from families with
alcohol abuse, violence and other social problems. Most likely,
nobody will motivate children without families or in the streets to
go to school.
Gradually, the old socialist belief that
education and knowledge do not add value to one's social status is
being overcome, especially, amongst young people who aspire to
pursue professional careers with high social prestige and good
remuneration.
People and the social
environment