For many young people in the Ludza region, school life has become more comfortable, safer, and less stressful thanks to the renovated residence hall of Ludza Secondary School No. 2. What was once a traditional boarding facility has been transformed, with support from a European Union-funded project, into a modern student residence for children from surrounding rural areas.
Here, students have their own rooms and an opportunity to develop independence and life skills. At the same time, they enjoy spending their free time together—studying, playing board games, preparing meals, and simply enjoying each other’s company.
A shorter journey and more energy for learning
Tenth-grade student Viktorija Kairova travels to Ludza from Pilda Parish. If she were to commute from home every day, the journey would take at least thirty minutes each way and up to an hour during winter.
“When the roads are snowy and not properly cleared, the trip becomes long and exhausting,” she says.
Commuting would also mean starting the day much earlier.
“If I travelled by bus every day, I would have to wake up around six o’clock. Now I get up at seven. One hour may not seem like much, but for me it makes a huge difference. I’m not tired throughout the day, and in the evenings I still have enough energy for sports training and studying.”
This school year marks Viktorija’s first experience living in the residence hall. Her decision was partly influenced by her older sister, who had lived there previously.
“She really liked it here. At first it felt a little strange—new surroundings, unfamiliar people. It was uncomfortable because I didn’t know anyone. But I settled in quickly, and now it feels like one big family. In the evenings it’s nice to spend time with the other students. We play games and chat together,” she says.
A room of your own
The residence hall contains 26 rooms on the second and third floors, as well as two accessible rooms on the ground floor designed for residents with functional impairments.
Each floor has a spacious modern kitchen, showers, and toilet facilities. The ground floor also includes a laundry room equipped with two washing machines, a common room, an event hall, and a shared study area.
In total, the residence can accommodate up to 72 residents.
For Viktorija, having her own room is one of the greatest advantages.
“I like having a place where I can be alone when I want some peace and quiet. But if I want to socialise, I can simply visit the others.”
Most residents are teenagers aged between 13 and 16.
“We support one another. It’s not like everyone just sits on their phones. When you come back from training in the evening, you can go to the study room and there are already other students there. If we have free time, we play Mafia, Uno, or other games. It really improves your mood.”
Support and structure
Viktorija leads a busy daily routine. She trains in handball at the local sports school and attends practice sessions after classes. Once she returns to the residence hall, she completes her homework.
If she encounters difficulties, the residence supervisors are always available to help.
At ten o’clock each evening, all students are expected to be in bed.
“It might sound early, but it’s actually a good thing. I feel well rested in the morning,” she says.
Students prepare their own breakfasts.
“I usually make a sandwich and have some yoghurt. Dinner comes from the school cafeteria and can be reheated in the residence kitchen. If we want anything extra, we can go to the shop. There is hot water, washing facilities, and everything is organised. It gives you a sense of security.”
A transformation from day to night
Zinaīda Buliga, principal of Ludza Secondary School No. 2, clearly remembers the conditions before the renovation.
“The boarding facility was built in 1974. Ten or even twelve children lived in a single room. There were only beds—not even bedside tables. Compared with what we have now, it is like night and day.”
The renovation project, completed in 2018, transformed the large dormitory rooms into smaller private spaces and added kitchens, sanitary facilities, and a safe, modern living environment.
“Now students arrive, look around, and are happy to stay. This is especially important for those who live far from public transport routes. Here they feel comfortable and safe.”
The facilities can also be used for purposes beyond school accommodation, including hosting participants in sports competitions and other events.
According to the principal, the residence hall is much more than simply a place to stay.
“It allows young people from more remote areas to participate fully in school life, sports activities, and personal development.”
Some students become so attached to the environment that they do not even want to return home immediately for the weekend.
“There are students who do not want to leave on Friday. They stay until Saturday and return again on Sunday.”
More than convenience
For Viktorija, the residence hall has provided much more than practical benefits.
“I have become more independent. I have learned how to manage my time and how to live together with other people. And I have also made new friends.”
Investing in better educational opportunities
The residence hall was renovated as part of the project “Modernisation of the Learning Environment in Ludza Educational Institutions,” co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The total eligible project costs amounted to nearly €2.4 million.
In addition to renovating the residence hall, the project included reconstruction of the gymnasium building, the purchase of information and communication technology equipment, furniture for two schools, and investments in sports infrastructure.
The specific construction costs for converting the former boarding facility into a modern residence hall amounted to €448,425.18.
This story was created with the support of the European Union Funds.
