2013

JSC Latvia’s State Forests’ with Riga Teikas secondary school make lessons in nature

To give nature deserved publicity as the best classroom in the world, the joint-stock „Latvijas valsts meži” (“Latvia's State Forests”) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Riga's Teika High School for classes to be taught outdoors. They will be captured on film, to later serve as a prime example for other education institutions.

October 8 was the date for the inaugural open-air classes at Teika H.S. - mathematics and English, in the courtyard. Teacher Pēteris Kaļva commented that classes conducted outdoors are unique. “Because pupils learn, using all five senses, easily connect theory to practice, and learn by doing. It is a fine opportunity for the youngsters to be able to move around, to absorb the required subject matter in an interactive manner. This is why Teika H.S. participates on a regular basis in the LVM-organized dnvironmental education events. We have been to the Mammadaba Embassy, and are very pleased to be able to raise our nature sensibility to a new level.” 

Cooperation between LVM and schools is nearing its tenth year. As LVM Communications Department Chief Tomass Kotovičs explained: “Our goal this year with Teika H.S. is not just to winnow the existing fruits of our labor, but to prepare the soil for new seedlings – specifically, new methodology and learning tools, for schools in all of Latvia to be able to conduct classes out of doors. Because nature is our greatest teacher, teaching us each and every day that only by growing and maturing do we become stronger, bolder and healthier. Furthermore, children, just like a young forest, attract CO2 and produce oxygen, learning new things at the most rapid pace, and creating them themselves, when given the chance.” 

For nine years now, LVM collaborates with schools within the environmental education program „Izzini mežu” (“Know the Forest”). During these years, over 30,000 Latvian pupils and teachers have had the opportunity to be part of this program, and schools have received a wide variety of teaching materials.

For more information: www.mammadaba.lv/skolam [ http://www.mammadaba.lv/skolam ].

Information prepared by the LVM Communications Department, tel. 67805432.