World Lithuanian School PALIMO

You have probably heard about Lithuanian communities, festivals and meetings around the world. But what about the children of Lithuanians around the world, do they communicate, do they know about each other? Two young Lithuanians have created a cozy virtual school for young Lithuanians from all over the world, where they can not only learn the Lithuanian language and history, but also build invaluable peer-to-peer relationships.

Now in its fourth year, PALIMO is a global Lithuanian school that brings together those who want to learn more about Lithuania, its language and history, as well as make friends from all over the world. Children from Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia take part in the distance classes. Here, children come together not only to learn new things, but also to share their experiences as Lithuanians around the world. In this way, PALIMO aims to build a global community of Lithuanian children.

How did the Lithuanian World School PALIMO come about?

The World Lithuanian School was born out of a need to unite Lithuanian communities. The founders of the school, Akvilė Bartaševičiūtė and Urtė Atkočiūnaitė, left Vilnius to study in England. While there, they noticed that Lithuanians from one city did not communicate with Lithuanians from another city, did not have common projects, meetings and activities.

Later, while travelling around the world, the girls noticed the same phenomenon – many Lithuanian communities living their own lives, without any connection to Lithuanian communities in other cities or countries.

The young Lithuanians wondered – if the members of these communities are not communicating, what are the chances that their children will feel a connection with their compatriots and with Lithuania? Will they know the language, will they feel part of a global Lithuanian community?

Therefore, Akvilė and Urtė did not hesitate to take matters into their own hands. They set up a virtual school to not only teach young Lithuanians their mother tongue and history, but also to connect them to a global community.

Experience from whole the world

Every week, each student at this school interacts with children from the USA, South America, Europe and Australia, all of whom talk about their families’ traditions and their communities. They are all united by their desire to learn the Lithuanian language, and at the same time they receive something more – friendship and a sense of community.

“A child who lives in the USA can learn with a child who lives in Germany, for example. The children interact with each other, and after just a few lessons we have already noticed how they exchange contacts and build friendships. The name World Lithuanian School was born out of the desire to educate the children of the world,” says Akvilė, the founder of World Lithuanian School.

Akvilė and Urtė hoped that in the first year of the school’s establishment, about 50 children would attend the classes. To their great surprise, as many as 200 children started the first semester!

“This only confirmed our assumptions that a school is very much needed by Lithuanians around the world. At the same time, our doubts about our investment disappeared – it paid off in the first half of the year”, says Akvilė.

PALIMO

How does the Lithuanian World School conduct lessons?

During the three years of its operation, virtual PALIMO School has taught 450 students, children and adults. And since they all live in different countries, a lot of solid planning had to be done in the beginning.

Nowadays, lessons are scheduled in such a way that they are convenient for children of different ages and language levels, no matter where they live. Teachers use only new materials and modern teaching methods.

“We aim for pupils not only to learn Lithuanian, but above all to be interested in it. This gives them the desire to learn more and not forget the language. We adapt to the pupil and try to meet their expectations. All our teachers also speak English, so that they can explain words or rules if necessary.” – Bartaševičiūtė notes.

The school adapts its curriculum every year to meet the needs and interests of its students, so in addition to Lithuanian language and history classes, there are also extra classes, such as foreign language classes.

Lithuanian school

The Lithuanian World School PALIMO is offering the following educational programmes:

Lithuanian language classes in groups. You will not only learn about the language, but also about literature and culture. You will read, write and speak! The lessons are designed for beginners, intermediate and advanced children. Private lessons are available. Lessons in Lithuanian.

Beginner level: group for 4-6 year olds

Intermediate level: groups for 7-9 year olds and 10-13 year olds

From September onwards, it will be possible to register for other age groups or levels.

Individual Lithuanian language and history lessons.
Individual lessons in English. Individual Lithuanian language lessons can be given in English.

Before booking individual or group lessons, you must contact the school administration by emailing info@palimo.lt or filling in the form on the page.

In addition, the school provides additional services:

Lithuanian, English and History tutoring services.

The World Lithuanian School provides high quality tutoring for students in grades 1-12. Tutors identify gaps and work towards clear goals and outcomes. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods that not only help the child master the material but also keep them interested in learning.

The following tutors are available: Lithuanian, English, and History.

Lithuanian school

How are the lessons at the Lithuanian World School?

Lessons are held once a week in groups of 12 children, divided by age group and language level.
Lessons last 45 minutes. Lessons are held on the ZOOM platform.
The teacher always has the camera on during the lessons and the children are asked to do the same.
For each lesson, you can choose the most convenient group time for you from the group times offered on weekdays and weekends. If you cannot find a time that suits you, please contact info@palimo.lt and the school administration will try to find the best option.

Lithuanian school

Prices and payments

The cost of group lessons is €333 per school year.
Payments are made three times (before each trimester) per year for €111 each: the first payment is made at registration, the next two payments are automatically debited 13 days before the start of the trimester.

For private lesson prices, please contact us after completing the registration form.

You can register for lessons throughout the school year!

It’s worth taking advantage and joining the fun and growing community of young Lithuanians around the world!