A special grant to enhance teaching Nordic Languages in Latvia

The Cooperation Fund Board decided to allcoate a special grant, SEK 100 000 to the Nordic Language Initiative (Ziemeļvalodu iniciatīva) in Latvia. The initiative aims to strengthen the teaching and learning of Nordic languages in Latvian schools as they prepare for new curriculum changes in 2026. With Nordic languages emerging as a potential alternative to Russian as the second foreign language, the initiative brings together key partners including the Nordic Council of Ministers' Office in Riga, the Swedish and Norwegian Chambers of Commerce in Latvia, and the House of Languages.

The initiative has launched cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Science, participated in major language events, organised teacher seminars, founded a dedicated association, and secured Nordplus funding. Looking ahead, the initiative plans to expand teacher support, develop new learning materials, and create a Swedish course for grades 4–9 — the later with support from the Sweden–Latvia Cooperation Fund.

The association was established in 2025. One of the aims of the association is to unite existing Nordic language teachers by establishing a teachers’ network. In the long term, the initiative aims to offer teacher training and requalification opportunities – supporting language teachers who wish to add a Nordic language to their teaching portfolio. The long-term goal is to make Nordic languages a regular option as a second foreign language in Latvian schools.