The European School in Brussels officially opens the Latvian section for primary and secondary education

On November 15, 2024, in Brussels, at the European School in Uccle, at the same time as the celebration of the 106th anniversary of the proclamation of Latvia, the opening ceremony of the Latvian section was held, in which a large number of Latvian students from the European School in Brussels I (Uccle - Berkendael) and the European School in Brussels II (Woluwe - Evere) participated, as well as their parents and teachers. The Latvian ambassador to Belgium - Aiga Liepiņa also attended to the official opening ceremony of the Latvian language stream. Additionally, Representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science - Deputy Secretary of State, Head of the State Service for Quality of Education Inita Juhņeviča and Assistant to the Minister for Administrative Affairs Sarmīte Dīķe, as well as the administration of the European School in Brussels - Secretary General Andreas Bekmans, Director of the European School in Brussels I David Tran, who emphasized that the opening of the Latvian stream is a very important milestone in the history of  European schools in Brussels. Although Latvia joined the European Union 20 years ago and signed the European Schools Convention in 2005, it still took time for the creation of this Latvian section to be possible. This is especially important at a time when Latvia's presidency in European schools is planned (in the 2025-2026 academic year).

Ambassador of Latvia to Belgium Aiga Liepiņa, while greeting all compatriots on the 106th anniversary of the proclamation of our country, especially addressed the students: "Studying at a school in the very centre of Europe, here in Brussels, gives you a great advantage, not only to learn what your peers learn in Latvia, but also to get other experiences that may help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world. Not only you grow intellectually, but also as individual – becoming smart, open, creative, with communication skills and virtues such as courage, solidarity and compassion. I wish you all to feel this special baggage for yourself, to accumulate it and most importantly - share it with your friends and relatives in Latvia''.

The ceremony, led by the children of Berkendael school, began with a ceremonial presentation of the national flag and the anthem of Latvia. Followed by several speeches and heartfelt performances prepared by children from European schools - songs were sung, musical instruments were played and children's favourite poems about Latvia were recited. Performances were also given by the Little Latvian Dancers of Brussels, the Latvian Choir of Brussels and the student orchestra of the European School Uccle. The official ceremony was followed by a festive feast organized by the students' parents. Latvian delicacies were served on the table, and children and parents had created a themed table decoration.

The administration of the European schools in Brussels expressed high appreciation for the performances given by our children and Latvian collectives in Belgium, as well as the generously laid table and Latvian delicacies. During the opening ceremony of the Latvian language stream, the representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science presented a letter of gratitude to Gundars Ostrovskis, the representative of the European School Brussels Parents’ Board, for his personal contribution to developing the Latvian language section in the European School Brussels I, as well as strengthening the Latvian language and its identity.