Over 14 Tons of Donations Collected for the Ukrainian Army in the “Baltic Schools for Victory” Campaign

In February and March of this year, for the third time, the “Schools for Victory” campaign took place, initiated by students from Āgenskalns State Gymnasium. Students from across the Baltics joined forces and collected more than 14,075 kilograms (over 14 tons) of donations for the Ukrainian army. The campaign was organized in cooperation with the charity organization Tavi draugi (“Your Friends”), which is gradually delivering the student donations to soldiers on the front lines.

A total of 113 schools from Latvia participated, donating 8,986.7 kilograms of essential supplies for soldiers. In Lithuania, 73 schools gathered 4,731.75 kilograms of donations, while 15 schools in Estonia contributed a combined total of 357 kilograms.

This year’s goal for the “Baltic Schools for Victory” campaign was to unite the strength of students from all three Baltic countries to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight for freedom. The campaign was first launched in 2023 at Āgenskalns State Gymnasium. Last year, it gained momentum and expanded across Latvia, with 100 schools collectively donating more than 10 tons of aid for Ukrainian soldiers. Emīlija Kļaviņa, the campaign’s initiator and a 12th-grade student at Āgenskalns State Gymnasium, said:

“This year, students, teachers, and parents from 201 schools across the Baltics participated in the ‘Schools for Victory’ campaign, showing their stance and united support for Ukraine. We are united in our belief that Ukraine must continue to be supported, and we have proven it with over 14 tons of donations, which came to Latvia from all over the Baltics and are now being sent to soldiers at the front.”

This year, the most commonly donated items were sweets, instant food, men’s socks, and other essentials needed on the front lines.

The charity organization Tavi draugi is the logistics and cooperation partner for the campaign. With the help of the organization’s volunteers and Ukrainian colleagues, the items donated by students are delivered to the front lines according to requests from army units.

Ulvis Noviks, head of Tavi draugi, said:

“We are grateful for the opportunity to carry out the ‘Baltic Schools for Victory’ campaign for the second year together with students. The determination of the youth, the responsiveness of the schools, and the support of parents have made it possible to provide more than 24 tons of high-quality items needed by Ukraine’s defenders. We admire the students’ commitment to dedicating time to help others alongside their studies and daily lives. They are a shining example that everyone can find a way to keep supporting Ukraine.”

More information and updates about the “Baltic Schools for Victory” campaign can be found on the Instagram profile Schoolsforvictory, on Tavi draugi’s social media accounts, and their website.