Jelgava students' electric bus project praised by European Parliament program
A project by Jelgava State Gymnasium students on introducing electric buses in the city's public transport has received high recognition in the European Parliament Ambassador Schools program.
Students from Jelgava State Gymnasium have earned special praise from the European Parliament Office in Latvia for their project examining the feasibility of electric buses in the city's public transport. The office highlighted the students' engagement in civic participation and their contribution to fostering understanding of democracy.
Over the school year, the students organized open classes and European Day events, gaining in-depth knowledge of EU institutions and decision-making processes. As part of the project, they conducted a survey of Jelgava residents on attitudes toward electric buses, analyzed the data, and assessed the issue's relevance at EU, national, and municipal levels.
Program organizers noted that the research provides a valuable basis for well-founded conclusions and encouraged the students to continue developing the idea by attracting partners.
Another team from Jelgava Spīdola State Gymnasium also successfully participated, developing a project on reducing social inequality in Baltic and EU countries. Jelgava Secondary School No. 4 is also involved in the program.
According to the Jelgava Education Board, participation helped students sharpen their argumentation, cooperation, and critical thinking skills while deepening their understanding of the EU.
This academic year marks the program's tenth anniversary. Across Latvia, participants developed 39 political idea projects. The European Parliament Ambassador Schools program operates in all EU member states, and in Latvia it is coordinated by the European Parliament Office. Currently, more than 95 schools, approximately 35,000 students, and over 200 teachers are involved.
