Study Reveals Minimum Expenses of EUR 250 for School Year Preparation per Pupil
In the heart of Latvia, families are gearing up for the new school year, but for many, the preparations come with financial challenges. A survey conducted by AKROPOLE shopping and entertainment centres in July 2025 revealed that price and quality are the primary concerns for most households when choosing school supplies.
The survey involved 501 people in Latvia aged 25-65 with school-age children in the family. It found that price is the main criterion for 42% of households, while for 30%, it is quality. The survey also showed that 35% of Latvian households feel excitement and joy when preparing for the new school year, while 46% feel anxiety and worry.
To help alleviate these financial burdens, AKROPOLE shopping centres, in cooperation with the charity organisation Ziedot.lv and partners, will organise the charity campaign "Let's help prepare for school together!" for the sixth consecutive year. The campaign, taking place from 4 to 29 August this year, invites people to donate new clothes, shoes, stationery, and other school supplies for children from low-income families.
Families in Latvia are coping with these financial challenges by carefully budgeting and prioritising school supplies and uniforms, taking advantage of any available government or social support programs, utilising free or low-cost educational resources, and exploring options in the education system.
Kaspars Beitiņš, CEO of SIA Akropole Latvija, expresses anticipation for the public's response to the charity campaign this year. He notes that the campaign has become a good tradition and an inspiring example of solidarity. Last year, public donations helped 317 children, including 150 Ukrainian refugee first-graders, to start school.
According to Linda Ezera, Head of the market research centre Norstat Latvija, the start of the school year is not only emotionally but also practically challenging for many families. The survey found that almost 60% of parents face a significant financial challenge when preparing one pupil for school, with the budget needed being at least EUR 250. In response to these challenges, 44% of parents plan to keep an eye on discounts and promotions, 29% will use items left over from previous school years, and 11% are considering giving up certain products and brands or replacing them with cheaper alternatives.
Every donation, both monetary and practical, has helped children to start school with confidence and joy. The charity campaign "Let's help prepare for school together!" is a testament to the generosity of the Latvian public and a beacon of hope for families facing financial hardships during the back-to-school season.
