September 1 marked the start of 2015/16 Academic Year in Riga schools
Commonly known as the Knowledge Day, September 1 is an annual holiday when children from all over the city flea to their future alma maters — primary schools, secondary schools, high schools, colleges, universities and the like.
Armed with Gladioli, a traditional Knowledge Day flower (though you may see the tradition fade away recently, making way for other modern flowers), pupils line up to greet each other and the teachers on this significant day, the start of a new academic year and the first semester.
Despite the rainy weather, the streets were filled with school kids running around with backpacks and their parents trying to find a spot on the overfilled parking lots along schools.
The total number of 66,000 pupils in 115 general education schools have gathered to commence the studies today — 500 more than last year, Riga Council reports.
National government has also invested 1.4 million euros in free books, workbooks and electronic aids for all students, with a requirement for this money to be allocated for recommended literature.
One of the main perks of being a public school student in Riga these days is free transportation. Look ma, no bus pass!
Image credit: Riga Council publicity photo
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