RIGA, May 2 (LETA) - This year, EUR 3.54 million worth of budget funds have been provided to subsidize 11,000 summer jobs for Latvian and Ukrainian schoolchildren, Welfare Minister Gatis Eglitis (Conservatives) said at a news conference Monday. 

The minister indicated that the summer jobs are a great opportunity for youngsters to obtain their first work experience and income. Moreover, the experience acquired in such jobs can prove useful in their future careers. 

Evita Simsone, director of the State Employment Agency, said that the agency's website is open for registration for summer jobs in Riga and surrounding municipalities as of Monday. Registration for summer jobs in Kurzeme and Zemgale will start Tuesday and for jobs in Latgale and Vidzeme on May 5. 

In Simsone's words, 43 percent of all summer jobs are available in Riga and surrounding municipalities, 17 in Kurzeme, 14 percent in Vidzeme, 14 percent in Zemgale and 12 percent in Latgale.

This summer, subsidized temporary jobs are being offered also to young Ukrainians, aged 15 to 20, who are students of comprehensive, special or vocational schools. Information on employment for Ukrainian school students on the agency's website is available also in the Ukrainian language.