With the participation of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa and Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, nine new and prospective chemistry, biology, and mathematics teachers each received a €3,000 scholarship as part of the education support program “There’s Chemistry Between Us!”. The program is funded by three Latvian companies – Olpha, Centrālā Laboratorija, and Veselības Centru Apvienība – and is the largest private initiative in Latvia supporting new science teachers. Its aim is to strengthen education as a cornerstone of national development.
This is the third year that scholarships for new and future science teachers have been awarded. This spring, nine new teachers from Salaspils, Saldus, Krāslava, Pļaviņas, Jūrmala, Jelgava District, and Riga received the support.
“Education is one of the pillars of a nation’s development. Latvia’s future depends on its success story. Teaching is one of the most responsible professions in society and deserves true respect, support, and recognition. The government is committed to strengthening the education system. We have already increased funding and ensured the largest-ever increase in the base salary rate for teachers. But that alone is not enough. Recognizing the importance of teaching and raising the prestige of the profession is a collective task for society. That’s why I want to give special thanks to the entrepreneurs who support new teachers with scholarships. This practical help not only enables someone to start their professional journey but also inspires. Together we are building a stronger, smarter, and better Latvia,” said Prime Minister Evika Siliņa.
This year, the patron of the teacher support program “There’s Chemistry Between Us!” is Minister of Economics Viktors Valainis, who emphasized the role of education in the country's economy: “A country’s competitiveness begins in the classroom – where teachers inspire future engineers, doctors, educators, chemists, IT specialists, and scientists. Therefore, we must create an environment where current teachers can work professionally and meaningfully, and where new teachers want to enter and see opportunities to grow professionally. Private initiatives like the ‘There’s Chemistry Between Us!’ scholarship program are crucial because they help the state provide the necessary conditions for teachers, and clearly demonstrate the patriotic attitude of local entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs not only employ local people and pay taxes responsibly but also make a significant contribution to shaping the future of Latvia.”
The support program for new teachers “There’s Chemistry Between Us!” was launched in 2023 by Latvian pharmaceutical manufacturer Olpha, at the initiative of the company’s owners and sworn attorney Artūrs Spīgulis, initially providing five scholarships annually. Since then, two more companies – Centrālā Laboratorija and Veselības Centru Apvienība – have joined, allowing a total of 15 scholarships worth €3,000 each to be awarded annually.
“The idea to support new chemistry teachers came to us naturally – we are well aware of how crucial the teacher is in a child’s first encounter with school and learning. School is where interest in chemistry can begin, which may later develop into a career in pharmacy or research. Through this program, we are investing in future professionals and in Latvia’s high value-added economy. We are truly pleased that more and more companies are joining our initiative each year, allowing us to support even more aspiring teachers,” said Juris Bundulis, Chairman of the Board of Olpha.
Bundulis added that last year, Centrālā Laboratorija joined the program to support biology teachers, and this spring, Veselības Centru Apvienība joined as well, providing scholarships for mathematics teachers.
Iveta Lāce, Chairwoman of the Board of Veselības Centru Apvienība: “Mathematics is a universal language – it is spoken in science, technology, the economy, and in our daily lives. Children begin learning math in preschool, and it stays with us throughout our lives regardless of the profession we choose. That’s why it is important for us to support new mathematics teachers by giving them confidence and motivation at the very start of their careers.”
To date, 24 new teachers have already received financial support of €3,000 each through the “There’s Chemistry Between Us!” scholarship program, and the next application round is expected this autumn.
