According to decree on 6th of May 2009 by Cabinet of Ministers No.281 „On Ministry of Children, Family and Integration Affairs” point No.2.2.1. and decree on 29th of May 2009 by Cabinet of Ministers No.359 „On reorganization of Ministry of Children, Family and Integration Affairs” point No.2. Ministry of Education and Science from 1st of July 2009 take over from Ministry of Children, Family and Integration Affairs function of development of state policy in youth field and the coordinated implementation of the single State policy in the field of youth.
In order to ensure the execution of the functions in field of youth policy Ministry shall:
- promote co-operation of public and municipal institutions, youth organizations and other entities involved in the youth work and provide unity of action in the state policy elaboration and implementation in the area connected with youth activities;
- co-ordinate and organize system of measures for youth work in municipalities and provide methodological assistance to municipal institutions;
- co-ordinate and organize trainings and exchange of experience for people involved in youth work;
- develop international co-operation in youth field;
- promote young people and people involved in youth work access to information about youth rights, duties, possibilities and responsibility.
As well as the Minister for Education and Science oversees the state agency „Agency of international youth programmes" which has the objective to promote youth activity and mobility in voluntary youth work, youth non-formal education and youth information programs and projects, and to promote youth non-formal education in connection with lifelong education. It coordinates the implementation of the EU non-formal education program „Youth in Action" in Latvia.
More information http://www.jaunatne.gov.lv/.
One of Ministry collaboration partner in planning and implementing youth policy is The National Youth Council of Latvia. The National Council of Latvia is an association of youth organizations, founded in 1992 which presently unites 53 youth organizations. The National Youth Council of Latvia represents the viewpoints of the member organizations in various institutions, it makes varied projects on local and regional level, and it continues to work on the national and international level. It has an important role and it actively participates in youth policy on national and international level. The National Youth Council of Latvia is an active partner to various state administration institutions.
More information http://www.ljp.lv/.
Mechanisms of participation in youth field
Cooperation and participation in implementing youth policy is ensured by the Ministry of Educationa and Science by establishing consultative and coordinating institutions to ensure youth participation and cooperation among state administration, municipal institutions and nongovernmental organizations in youth policy. Presently, the Ministry ensures the work of the Consultative council of Youth and Consultative commission of Youth organizations, and organizes participation activities and gives hearing to the views of the work group.
Consultative council of Youth
The objective of Consultative council of Youth is to promote the development and implementation of youth policy in the country and youth involvement in the decision making process. The Consultative council of Youth is an open council, and its main function is to ensure coherent implementation of youth policy in the country, as youth policy is carried out by different organizations. The Consultative council of Youth is chaired by the Minister of Education and Science. Members of the Consultative council of Youth are representatives of Ministry of Educationa and Science, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Welfare, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments, The National Youth Council of Latvia, Latvian Student Association and five representatives of Youth organizations, which are elected within the public competition.
Consultative commission of Youth organizations
Consultative commission of Youth organizations is a consulting institution established to ensure the participation of youth organizations in the process of planning, implementing and evaluating State youth policy. The main task of the Consultative commission of Youth organizations is the analysis of current situation in youth policy, identification of problems and drafting of proposals for development for the Ministry of Education and Science. 12 leaders of youth organizations are members of the Consultative commission of Youth organizations. The Consultative commission is chaired by the Head of Youth Policy Unit under Policy Coordination Department in Ministry.
