On 4 September 2025, Latgale's largest environmental education event, "Zaļā klase 2025", took place at Sarkaņkalns in Rēzekne Municipality, bringing together some 2000 schoolchildren, their teachers and experts from forestry and related industries. This year the event was attended by pupils and teachers from 42 Latgale schools and 139 classes. "Zaļā klase" also stood out for a record number of educational stations to date – 42 stops at which children, young people and their teachers, as well as other interested visitors, could get to know the forest sector and its related professions in a hands-on and engaging way.
Throughout the day, participants were met by professionals from the forest sector and other fields, offering both educational and practical activities. Participants learned about forest tending and management, natural values, the use of wood resources in sustainable products, and the professions connected with forestry and wood processing. At the same time, the importance of the forest sector for public welfare, the economy and the conservation of natural diversity was emphasised.
This year the programme was also supplemented by two discussions that drew together pupils, teachers and industry experts: "Is there life without wood?", which considered sustainable forestry and the role of wood in everyday life, and the conversation "The future working environment and professions", which focused on the importance of STEM fields in education and in the future labour market.
The demonstrations by border guard dog handlers with their service dogs also attracted particular interest. Pupils likewise had the chance to meet representatives of the military security services, the National Guard and the border guard in person, and to learn about the latest technologies, including the possible uses of drones.
The organisers acknowledge that over these five years "Zaļā klase" has become a tradition on a Latgale-wide scale and the largest environmental education event in the region, uniting children, young people, teachers and industry professionals.
"This year we are especially proud of the record number of educational stations and the broad involvement of partners. It only confirms that public interest in the forest sector, sustainable development and future opportunities is growing. 'Zaļā klase' is a place where pupils not only gain knowledge, but also inspiration for their future choices," emphasises one of the organisers, Arnis Krancāns, board member of the foundation "Latvijas Finiera fonds ilgtspējīgai attīstībai".
"We really liked the variety of stations – every child could find something to suit them: the researchers investigated with interest, the experimenters enthusiastically tried out various experiments, while the more sporty children threw themselves into the active pursuits. It was especially pleasant that at the end of the event we could relax in a well-kept and welcoming setting – both a comfortable picnic area and drinking water had been thought of. The children said they had greatly enjoyed the trip and expressed a wish to visit Sarkaņkalns again, as we did not manage to walk round and take in everything. It was an inspiring and worthwhile day," says Iveta Kārkle, a teacher at Rudzāti Secondary School.
The next "Zaļā klase" will take place in a year's time – in September 2026.
It should be added that "Latvijas Finieris" continues to develop Sarkaņkalns as a place for education and active recreation, in order to give various groups in society the opportunity to learn about land and forest use and about sustainable human interaction with the surrounding environment. In summer, educational and cultural events are held here regularly, while in winter skiing and snowboarding activities are available at Sarkaņkalns.
