On April 4, the Ministry of Transport hosted 31 young people from schools in Riga, Pieriga, Dobele, Daugavpils, Pļaviņas, Preiļi and Rezekne. The young people shadowed the Minister of Transport and seven experts in different fields, gaining a better understanding of the work at the Ministry, the contribution of European Union (EU) funds to the development of the transport and communications sector, and the progress of the Rail Baltica project. As part of the Shadow day, eight young people took the opportunity to pass a theory test provided by the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) and obtained a bicycle driving licence.
"I am very pleased about the concern and genuine interest the young people demonstrated about the challenges in the transport sector and climate change. We need to listen to young people more, to involve them in generating ideas, because their thoughts and ideas allow us to see things from a different perspective. We are particularly happy about those participants who want to pursue a career in the transport and communications sector. The future of our sector is in good hands," says Minister of Transport Kaspars Briškens.
The Shadow Day started with an introduction to the Ministry of Transport, after which the young people went to shadow experts in various fields. After lunch, the participants of the Shadow Day visited the construction site of the Rail Baltica Riga Central Railway Junction, where the young people got acquainted with the construction works.
The day continued with a quiz. The young people had the opportunity to test their knowledge on what they had learnt during the day - the work of the Ministry, the EU contribution to the development of the transport sector, the Rail Baltica project, etc. The winners of the quiz received useful prizes.
Young people were also informed about the changes to the Road Traffic Regulations on micro-mobility, as knowledge of the rules is the key to safely riding a bicycle or electric scooter in traffic.
Young people who took part in the Shadow day also had the unique opportunity to obtain a bicycle driving license. The test consisted of 10 questions and was provided by colleagues from the CSDD.
Everyone benefited from the Shadow day- young people learned more about the transport sector and its development, while experts shared their knowledge and experience. All participants also received a certificate for their participation in the Shadow day at the Ministry of Transport.
At the same time, an exhibition of projects implemented in the transport and communications sector was opened at the premises of the Ministry of Transport to celebrate Latvia's 20 years in the EU.
