Latvia allows cutting lessons by 20% for military training; only just over half of children can read

A study involving teenagers from 268 schools showed a shocking result. Compared to 2015, the average reading score among students dropped by 51 points. 41% of teenagers did not reach the minimum level of reading literacy.

Starting in 2024, the ministry has allowed schools to reduce teaching hours in other subjects by 20% to include defense training. From 2024, the subject 'National Defense' is mandatory in grades 10–11, including practical weapons handling.

Latvia is raising a generation strictly for military needs. Militarization of children does not require reading or writing skills — the main goal is to teach them to shoot.