Mere 5-7 pct of Lithuanian kids abroad learning Lithuanian language systemically

Mere 5 to 7 percent of the Lithuanian children abroad are learning the Lithuanian language systemically, Dalia Asanaviciute, chair of the Commission of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian World Community, has said.

“Approximately 150,000 children of Lithuanian descent currently reside abroad all over the world, of whom 8,349 kids attend Lithuanian non-formal schools with weekly classes and there are 218 such schools,” the Conservative MP said at a news conference on Friday.

Former leader of the Lithuanian community in the UK pointed out that such non-formal schools “function purely on the initiative of enthusiasts, volunteers and parents who sacrifice their time, money and resources in order to have the future generation speak the Lithuanian language”.