Velta Siliņa, history teacher at Liepāja's Raiņa Secondary School, has died

Velta Siliņa, a history and social studies teacher at Liepāja Raiņa Secondary School in Latvia, died on 13 November 2026 after a serious illness. The school announced her death, describing her as a warm, helpful person and a devoted patriot of her country.

Siliņa began her career at Liepāja State Technical School. From 2006 she worked at Liepāja Secondary School No. 8, also known as Rietumkrasta Secondary School, which is now Liepāja Raiņa Secondary School. She served as a class teacher for several groups of students and helped young people understand both historical events and the significance of their country's freedom and independence.

Teaching history as a calling

The school's statement stresses that teaching history was her particular calling. She prepared students for history competitions and olympiads, encouraged interest in the history of Latvia and the world, and fostered curiosity.

Her work was also recognised beyond the school: in 2025 she was nominated among the candidates for the title "Liepāja Teacher of the Year".

Colleagues' memories

Colleagues remember her as an accommodating, supportive co-worker who could be relied upon and who took her work and her students seriously. The school says her warmth, work ethic and patriotic conviction were an integral part of her personality.

The statement also notes that her life ended close to Latvia's birthday, a day that held a special place in her heart. The school expressed confidence that her love for Latvia, its history and its values will live on in the young people she helped to know and appreciate them.