About Us

About LVAVA

The National Agency for Latvian Language Training (LVAVA) is a State agency, which implements the State Language Policy Programme (2006 - 2010) and Support Programme for the Latvian Diaspora (2004 - 2009). The aim of the Agency operations is to provide the learning possibilities of the Latvian language for representatives of other nations and the development of bilingual education in Latvia.

History of LVAVA

In 1994 Latvian government addressed the United Nations Development Programme and asked to create the experts' mission to help develop the project of Latvian Language Learning State Programme.
The National Programme for Latvian Language Training (LVAVP) was adopted on 1 November 1995 with Regulation N0. 616 of Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. The LLLSP Project management unit with the State's enterprise non- profit organization status was created to implement the Programme.
The LVAVP was operating under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the first four years, using its wide experience, traditions of administrating huge scale projects and professional skills.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia took over administrative monitoring in 2001 and assumed responsibility for implementation of Programme's aims, starting a new season in the history of the LVAVP.
The LVAVP Project Management Unit changed its status in October 2004 according with State's management reform and became a The National Agency for Latvian Language Training (LVAVA).
The Programme's activities for the first 10 years were planned in 5 action phases, which would gradually provide the learning of the Latvian language and bilingual education.

LVAVA Strategic aims for 2007 - 2009

1. Provision of successive learning of Latvian language from preschool till lifelong education
2. Creation of study and teaching literature and creation of other modern study aid material, using IT
3. Perfection of professional skills of Latvian language teachers
4. Creating of a development system for Latvian language learning in the Diaspora.
5. Promotion of public integration processes
6. Development of an international professional cooperation network in the area of learning methodology of a second language and bilingual education.

Operation principles of LVAVA

• Learning of the language in the framework of LVAVA is done only by the principle of voluntary participation.
• Operation of the LVAVA mainly is directed towards inhabitants of Latvia that lack knowledge of the Latvian language and who want to learn Latvian or improve their knowledge of it.
• LLLSA uses a graduated and motivated approach in teaching the language, the individual, who is learning the language and means of communication, is in the center.
• Latvian language unfolds as a modern language which can be used in every life area in the teaching aids of the LVAVA
• Concept that the language must be learnt in order to use it is in the basis of the courses offered by the LVAVA.

Most important functions of LVAVA

• To provide public services for individuals and legal persons - to organize trainings, courses, camps and other educational activities in the area of the Latvian language learning and teaching methodology, bilingual teaching methodology as well as communication between cultures.
• Perform publishing services.
• Provide support in the learning of the Latvian language and preservation for the Latvian Diaspora abroad