RIGA, March 23 (LETA) - Despite the language barrier, Ukrainian children are integrating in Latvian schools successfully, Marina Rubailo, a refugee from Ukraine, said at the Saeima education, culture and science committee meeting today.

She said that some children can speak English or Russian and are gradually developing communication with teachers and other children.

Rubailo though said that some legal problems still have to be solved. For example, an eight-year old in Ukraina is on the first grade while in Latvia - on the second grade.

Another Ukrainian refugee from Kuldiga, Lidija Barnchika agreed to what Rubailo said, but added that a problem is a shortage of places in kindergartens.

Education and Science Minister Anita Muizniece (Conservatives) presented the current law on support to Ukrainian residents in respect to education.

In June, a plan for the next school will be developed, providing for long-term solutions.

The current capacity of enrolling Ukrainian children in education institutions in Latvia is 23,000 children - 18,000 in general education establishments and almost 5,000 in preschools.

At present more than 1,000 children from Ukraine have been registered in Latvian schools and preschools, mostly in Riga, Ventspils and Jelgava. In preschools, 109 children have been registered for the Latvian language programs, while 90 for minorities' programs. In general education, 463 children attend Latvian language schools, and 680 attend minorities schools, including 123 children who go to the Ukrainian school in Riga.