UNDP report : USAID grant no. ENI-G-00-00-00001-00 -- LAT/95/002 - promotion of social integration : support to implementation of The National Programme for Latvian Language Training

Development Programme (UNDP) on the USAID component of a multi-donor project to promote social integration in Latvia by supporting the National Programme for Latvian Language Training (NPLLT), aimed at enhancing the knowledge of Latvian among the non-Latvian speaking population. The USAID grant was specifically used for the adult education component of the NPLLT. Project achievements were as follows: The USAID- funded component supported 100 Latvian as a Second Language (LSL) courses for minority school subject teachers, totaling 1,671 people. The improvement of Latvian language ability for this particular adult group is absolutely essential for strengthening Latvia"s educational infrastructure. These courses were organized primarily in Latgale, where Latvian language training is most needed due to the economic challenges this region currently faces. In an effort to meet the large demand for Latvian language training, the USAID grant also supported 45 LSL courses for adults and young adults from specific professions, including the Ministry of Interior (border guards, prison administration, the police) and medical personnel. Courses were also held for unemployed persons in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor, as well as for the disabled. A total of 681 people received training. As in the case of the minority school teachers, efforts under this component were focused in the Latgale region. Finally, the USAID grant supported 50 monitoring visits by language specialists. The results of the observation activities demonstrate that the quality of language teaching has increased due to quality of teachers trained by the NPLLT and to new, modern teaching materials produced by NPLLT professionals. More than 50% of the courses received excellent evaluations, 49% received good evaluations; and 1% were deemed to need additional guidance. The Latvian Language Programme Unit (LLPU) has addressed the needs of the teachers by providing more methodological and pedagogical guidance and training.