The Birmingham Latvian School "Saktiņa" is a vibrant supplementary school dedicated to bringing together children and families in the United Kingdom with Latvian heritage. Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the Latvian language, cultural heritage, and traditions, ensuring that our community maintains a strong connection with Latvia and that these traditions continue to thrive for future generations.
Our History
The Latvian community in Birmingham began its activities with the formation of the traditional dance group "Sakta" in 2006, bringing together people with a shared passion for Latvian folk dancing.
The parents of the dance group organized the first Christmas event for their children. This sparked growing community interest, which led to the development of social events and children's morning activities.
As the community grew, so did the need for activities for children. This led to the creation of the Latvian supplementary school "Saktiņa", which provided language learning and cultural education. From within the school, a children's dance group was formed, ensuring that younger generations could engage with Latvian traditions through dance and other cultural activities.
Building on this strong foundation, "Saktiņa" evolved from children's morning activities into a structured school, offering regular classes and events designed to preserve Latvian heritage and strengthen the community in the UK.
What We Do
We offer engaging classes for children of all ages, helping them develop Latvian language skills while learning about Latvian traditions, customs, and holidays. Our activities include singing, creative workshops, storytelling, and hands-on cultural experiences that make learning both fun and meaningful.
A key part of our programme is traditional Latvian folk dancing, which remains at the heart of our activities. Older children learn and perform national dances, while younger children are introduced to movement and rhythm through interactive games and playful activities.
Beyond lessons, "Saktina" fosters a strong sense of community by organising festive celebrations, cultural events, and family-friendly gatherings. Parents and children alike take part in these activities, strengthening bonds within the Latvian community and keeping traditions alive.
Our Name & Identity
The name "Saktina" symbolises our connection to Latvia’s heritage—it refers to a small but significant element of the Latvian national costume, representing tradition, unity, and cultural identity. Our school provides a welcoming space where Latvian families can connect, share experiences, and pass on their heritage to future generations.
Join Us!
Email: saktauk@gmail.com
Website: https://www.facebook.com/skolaSaktina
Phone: 07798891744
We welcome all who wish to celebrate, learn, and share in Latvian traditions—come and be part of our growing cultural community!