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On March 16, the fifth forum on Lithuanian language education titled “Lithuanian School: How Are We Building It Today?” was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom.
The forum discussed innovations in Lithuanian language teaching, current academic research, and the expectations of diaspora youth regarding Lithuanian education institutions.
In a video greeting to the event participants, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kęstutis Budrys emphasized that Lithuanian-language education contributes to strengthening Lithuania:
"The Lithuanian school is a place where understanding is nurtured about what it means to be Lithuanian in the world, and what responsibility each of us has in defending democratic values and freedom. So, by nurturing Lithuanian-language schools, we also strengthen Lithuania itself."
Minister Budrys also expressed satisfaction that more citizens are returning to Lithuania than leaving it, and that Lithuanian-language schools help facilitate the smoother (re)integration of returnees.
"For five consecutive years, the number of people returning to Lithuania has been growing. Last year, for the first time since independence was restored, twice as many compatriots returned to Lithuania as left it. Lithuanian-language schools play an important role in this return journey, creating a strong foundation for the integration of children and youth in Lithuania," the minister stressed.
At the forum, historian Dr. I. Strumickienė presented a report titled “A Look into the History of Lithuanian-Language Schools.” In the discussion “What Changes Are We Seeking Now?” scholars D. Vaišnienė (K. Varnelis House-Museum) and L. Vilkaitė-Lozdienė (Vilnius University) discussed language change, insights from academic research on innovations in language teaching, and their application in Lithuanian schools abroad.
The forum actively involved youth living in London who attend Lithuanian-language schools. In the discussion “What Kind of School Do Students Want?” they shared their expectations and suggestions to increase the appeal of Lithuanian-language schools among young people.
In the closing discussion “What’s Next?” participants included Member of Parliament D. Asanavičiūtė, representatives from the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vytautas Magnus University, and the organization Global Lithuanian Leaders, which unites professionals from the Lithuanian diaspora.
Since 2021, the Lithuanian-Language Education Forum has been organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports, Vytautas Magnus University, MP D. Asanavičiūtė, the World Lithuanian Community Education Commission, and the Association of Lithuanian Schools Abroad. Each year, Lithuanian diplomatic missions also join in organizing the event. This year, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the United Kingdom contributed to organizing the forum. The forum is under the patronage of First Lady Diana Nausėdienė.
For the first time, the forum took place abroad, in the United Kingdom, where the largest network of Lithuanian-language schools currently operates, connecting 55 Lithuanian education institutions. More than 50 teachers from Lithuanian-language schools in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Norway, and France participated in the forum.