Riga, May 23 (LETA) - Ventspils City Council has granted municipal co-funding of EUR 86,950 for the summer employment of 470 schoolchildren in order to strengthen the skills of young people and facilitate their integration into the labor market, LETA was informed by the municipality.

The program "Employment measures during the summer holidays for persons receiving education in general, special or vocational education institutions" is open to all young people declared in Ventspils, as well as to those young people whose place of accommodation or place of residence under the Law on Support of Ukrainian Civilians is the city of Ventspils. An additional condition is that these young people are in general, special or vocational education in the 2024/2025 school year and are aged between 15 and 20 years inclusive.

This year, Ventspils municipality is providing co-funding of 25 percent of the minimum monthly wage for a total of 470 pupils to be employed during the summer. The State Employment Agency, the organizer of the program, provides 50 percent of the funding, while the remaining 25 percent are provided by the individual employer.

The benefits for Ventspils are multifaceted: young people have the opportunity to develop practical skills, become more motivated and socially active, while the municipality receives support in carrying out works of public interest. Students are involved in cleaning up the area, assisting in the work of the institutions, and organizing events, thus making a real contribution to the daily life of the city.

The municipality stresses that this program is not only beneficial for the pupils, but also for the whole community. The experience of previous years has shown how much this activity motivates young people and strengthens their confidence in their abilities. It is also an opportunity to build links between young people and the municipality as an employer - with respect, trust and practical experience.

Last year, 471 young people gained work experience with the co-funding of Ventspils municipality.