Six new science teachers receive €3,000 scholarships from “Olpha”, “Centrālā laboratorija” and “Veselības centru apvienība” This October, six new teachers of chemistry, biology, and mathematics each received a €3,000 scholarship as part of “There’s chemistry between us!”- Latvia’s largest and only privately funded education support program for young teachers. Over the past three years, the initiative’s total contribution has reached €90,000 provided by its founders: “Olpha”, “Centrālā laboratorija”, and “Veselības centru apvienība”. In total, 30 new and aspiring teachers have already benefited from the program’s support.
This autumn marked the sixth round of scholarship awards. The initiative received 53 applications – its highest number since the program launched in 2023, reflecting growing interest and recognition of the importance of supporting new educators in Latvia.
This year’s patron of the “There’s chemistry between us!” scholarships, minister of economics Viktors Valainis, congratulated the teachers: “Our economic breakthrough and the overall well-being of society largely depend on how quickly and effectively our country can transform its economy so that Latvia’s competitive advantages are based on technological capabilities, production efficiency, innovation, and the ability to adapt to and seize the opportunities created by global change. One of the key prerequisites for achieving this is having knowledgeable and well-educated specialists. Unfortunately, the latest OECD data show that Latvia still has a lower proportion of graduates in natural sciences and engineering than the OECD average. We must spark young people’s interest in mathematics and science subjects already at school – and this can only be achieved by passionate and knowledgeable teachers. That is why every initiative that supports new educators is truly commendable.”
The important role of young teachers in Latvia’s sustainable development is also emphasized by Juris Bundulis, Chairman of the Board of Olpha and initiator of the scholarship program: “One of our goals when we launched the scholarship program in 2023 was to highlight the significance of teachers’ work and contribution, helping to elevate the prestige of the teaching profession and its recognition in society. Now, together with other patriotic Latvian companies, we have developed the program into the largest initiative of its kind in Latvia – providing practical support in the form of scholarships and creating a platform that helps amplify the stories of new and future teachers, inspiring other educators, students, and society as a whole!”
The young program “There’s chemistry between us!” was launched in 2023 by the Latvian pharmaceutical manufacturer Olpha, following the initiative of the company’s owners and sworn attorney Artūrs Spīgulis, initially providing five scholarships per year. During this period, Centrālā laboratorija and Veselības centru apvienība have joined the program, increasing the total to 15 annual scholarships, each worth €3,000.
