Lithuania allocates funding to support Children’s Day centers

The Ministry of Social Security and Labour of Lithuania will provide an additional 1.3 million euros to children’s day centers across the country this year.

This funding aims to strengthen the services these centers offer to more than 14,000 children by addressing rising operational costs and staff wages. Minister Inga Ruginienė explained the ministry sought opportunities for additional funds after seeing the financial challenges faced by the centers, emphasizing the importance of safe environments and accessible, quality care for children.

The extra funds will be available for expenses related to organizing and delivering social care services until the end of the year, allowing each center to decide how best to allocate the money, whether for trips, educational programs, or employee salaries. Currently, 510 day centers operate in 58 municipalities throughout Lithuania. Aistė Adomavičienė, director of the National Network of Poverty Reduction Organizations, noted the additional funding is especially needed because costs for these centers have increased significantly in recent years.

An analysis showed funding for the centers grew by only 20 percent over five years, while the minimum monthly wage rose by nearly 80 percent and inflation reached 36 to 37 percent. Elena Urbonienė, director of the Confederation of NGOs for Children, also welcomed the funds, stating they will help compensate for employee and specialist salaries.

Haris Urvinis, head of the Lithuanian Children’s Day Center Association, believes the funding will ensure centers can maintain quality services and strengthen their daily operations during a time of rising prices.