The Ministry of Defence will establish a professional military secondary school in Malta, Rēzekne Municipality, to strengthen patriotic education and provide military training opportunities for youth in the Latgale region, the ministry has announced.
Defence Minister Andris Sprūds stated that the Colonel Oskars Kalpaks Vocational Secondary School serves as a good example of how to foster patriotism among young people and encourage them to pursue a military career. “We see growing interest in military education among youth, which is why the decision has been made to open a similar school in Latgale,” he explained.
The Ministry of Defence evaluated schools in the Latgale region based on the specific needs and criteria of such an institution. During the assessment, municipalities submitted their infrastructure proposals. Based on the gathered data, Malta Secondary School in Rēzekne Municipality was selected as the most suitable option.
The new school, planned to be named after General Pēteris Radziņš, will combine general education subjects with military skills and value training, allowing students to develop leadership, a sense of responsibility, and physical fitness. Up to 30 students are expected to be admitted in the first academic year.
Students will be provided with a scholarship, free accommodation in a dormitory, four meals per day, the necessary equipment and supplies, and upon graduation, the cadet candidate phase at the National Defence Academy of Latvia will be recognized, as well as service in the State Defence Service.
The Ministry of Defence is preparing an informative report on the school’s establishment for review by the Cabinet of Ministers. After the report is approved, a school director will be appointed to form the team, register the institution, and develop the academic programme.
The creation of this new school in Latgale is also included in the 2025–2027 action plan “For the Economic Growth and Security Strengthening of Latvia’s Eastern Border Region.”