On October 24 of this year, at the second annual Science Teachers' Day held by the Latvian pharmaceutical company "Olpha," four new scholarships were awarded to aspiring chemistry and biology teachers, each worth 3,000 euros. In the year and a half since the program’s inception, 15 new specialists have already received scholarships through the "There’s Chemistry Between Us!" support program for new teachers, funded by “Olpha” and “Central Laboratory,” with a total investment of 45,000 euros.

This autumn, a 3,000-euro scholarship from "Olpha" was awarded to Rihards Elmārs Vanka-Treifelds, a student at the University of Latvia (LU) Faculty of Education Sciences and a science teacher at Pumpuri High School in Jūrmala, and to Toms Pulle, a student at the LU Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences and a chemistry teacher at Riga State Gymnasium No. 2. Meanwhile, "Central Laboratory" awarded a scholarship to Izolde Helma Gūtmane, a student at the LU Faculty of Education Sciences and a science teacher at Sigulda State Gymnasium, and to Margarita Baranova, a student at the LU Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences and a biology teacher at RTU Olaine College of Technology.

"Latvia’s economic growth and prosperity are impossible without teachers! They are the ones who ensure that young people, our country’s future, have strong knowledge and skills. This academic year, many more prospective teachers have started their studies at LU compared to one or two years ago. We are especially pleased with those young people who have chosen to become science teachers, as they are especially in demand in schools. The increase in students in education studies is a significant outcome of our collaboration with the industry. The contributions of our partners, "Olpha" and "Central Laboratory," to raising the prestige of the teaching profession are tremendous. New specialists feel valued and, at the same time, see their importance in being useful to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, which appreciate their work and contribution as teachers," said LU Rector Gundars Bērziņš, the patron of the 2024 "There’s Chemistry Between Us!" scholarship program.

The work to motivate and inspire new teachers to work in schools also brings tangible results, as evidenced by the enrollment of 937 new prospective teachers in undergraduate education programs at Latvian universities this year—112 more than last year and 303 more than two years ago. The number of students in the work-based "Teach for Strength" program has also increased, with 94 new teachers starting their studies this year. At the same time, the prestige of the teaching profession is closely tied to motivation, both to study pedagogy and to pursue a long-term career in teaching. Insufficient recognition of their work and profession by society is the main reason for a lack of motivation among one in three teachers in Latvia, according to a survey conducted this spring by the Latvian Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and the research company "Norstat."

"Without outstanding teachers, there is no innovation, development, or democratic and patriotic society. We cannot expect that the leaders and scientists of the future will emerge on their own. Therefore, we at "Olpha" invest in teachers, so they, in turn, can continue to lay a strong foundation for Latvia's future growth with joy and satisfaction. These young specialists are the backbone and hope of our society. Therefore, it is our collective responsibility to support them on this journey. Scholarships are a way for us to not just talk about the importance of physics, chemistry, and biology for children, but to practically support new teachers and show that their work is recognized, noticed, and valuable to society as a whole," emphasizes "Olpha" Chairman of the Board, Juris Bundulis.

While interest in becoming a science teacher among young people is increasing, it is still insufficient to ensure a healthy replenishment of teachers in the long term. There is a shortage not only of chemistry teachers but also a critically low number of prospective biology teachers among university education program graduates, as shown by data from the State Education Information System.

"Student interest in biology means that in the future we will have healthcare and pharmaceutical care specialists, scientists, and experts who will look after the health and well-being of all of us. Without such individuals with knowledge and interest in biology, a fully functioning society is unthinkable, as they will be the ones developing new technologies and therapies in healthcare and pharmacy, which, in turn, will improve the efficiency and accessibility of these sectors. This is precisely why the support for new biology teachers provided by "Central Laboratory" is so essential for the balanced development and long-term functionality of Latvia's healthcare system," says Zane Kaktiņa, Chair of the Board of SIA "Central Laboratory."

This autumn, 30 prospective and current chemistry and biology teachers from various schools across Latvia applied for the "There’s Chemistry Between Us!" scholarship. After evaluating the motivation letters and academic performance of the applicants, four scholarship recipients were chosen. "Olpha" and "Central Laboratory" thank all young people who applied for the scholarship and have chosen to dedicate their professional lives to working with students, now and in the future. Scholarships are awarded twice a year—in spring and autumn—and the total corporate support for teacher development over five years is planned to reach 135,000 euros.