An essay competition for youth is announced on the contribution of Gustavs Zemgals and his contemporaries to Latvia

The president of Latvia Gustavs Zemgals (1871-1939) and his contemporaries actively promoted Latvian social life decades before Latvia became a country. This social worker generation had common ideals and they were the ones, who proclaimed the Republic of Latvia, who could inspire society to defend and grow successfully.  

To get modern youth to become more interested in country president Gustavs Zemgals and his contemporaries, and their values, which they defended and certified their whole life, an essay competition “Gustavs Zemgals and his contemporaries: historical contribution and future values” for youth is announced with prize fund worthy 1000 euros in honor of Gustavs Zemgals in his 150th birthday.  

Latvian general education and special education institution students from 9th – 12th grade and professional education students from 1st – 4th course, and, also, diasporas at the appropriate stage of education Latvian students are individually welcome to take part in competition. Every participant of competition can submit one work of 1000-1800 words, which is made as argumentative essay. Submission deadline for essays – 31st January, 2022.  

Competition is set up with the aim to raise awareness of the role of active citizenship in history to carry out the ideas, which are important to society, and, to encourage reflection about modern country of Latvia and society, its challenges. 

Patron of the competition is family of the Gustavs Zemgals, but organizers – foundation of University of Latvia and Latvian National history museum (LNVM). Supporters (partners) – History and social science teacher association, as well as, faculty of History and Philosophy in University of Latvia. 

Essays will be evaluated by Toms Ķikuts, deputy director in scientific work in LNVM; Laila Kundziņa, executive director University of Latvia foundation, Ēriks Jēkabsons, professor of faculty of History and Philosophy in University of Latvia; Roberts Ķipurs, member of the board of History and social science teacher association; Astrīda Burbicka, head of department of education and communication in LNVM.  

The results of essay competition will be announced in LNVM website www.lnvm.lv by 28th February 2022. LNVM will personally contact 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.  

If epidemiological situation will be safe, in may of 2020 LNVM will host a live event for every essay competition participant. 

Competition regulations and more information can be found on website of museum www.lnvm.lv