Children of returning migrants welcomed by Lithuanian schools. VIKTOR POSUDNEVSKY reports
The Lithuanian ministry of education has stressed that the children of returning migrants are welcome in Lithuanian schools.
At least 72 Lithuanian children have returned home from Ireland in 2008, according to DanutÄ— Kolesnikova of the Lithuanian ministry of education.
Kolesnikova said that in accordance with a new law that has recently taken effect in Lithuania, every returning child will receive 35 per cent more government funding than ordinary native pupils to address any particular needs the child might have.
“When a child returns home, their school management looks at all the documents relating to the child’s education,” explained Kolesnikova. “They then establish the child’s level in every subject commonly taught in Lithuanian schools, and they make up an individual curriculum that would enable every returning child to catch up.”
She added that most children returning home tend to have some Lithuanian, but special elementary classes are available for those who do not speak the language.
Kolesnikova also said that distance learning programmes were being set up for children aged over 14, and an online course was available for those who wish to practice Lithuanian while still living abroad.
