For the third year running, in the competition “Latvian Family of Honor 2024” organized by the Association of Large Families of Latvia, municipalities could apply parents of large families who currently have at least 3 children in their care and who, in the opinion of the municipality, are a worthy example of successfully balancing work, family life and public participation.
The Ogre region was represented by the family of Evijas and Įrts Rutmani from Jumprava parish, where three children are growing up – Karlina (13 years old), Ernests (8 years old) and a child with special needs Darta (6 years).
Evia has master’s degrees in pedagogy, educational sciences and social work, as well as a qualification as a social pedagogue. Currently, she heads the Support Department for families with children in the Social Service of Ogre County, and also actively uses her knowledge and experience to improve the family support system not only in Ogre County, but throughout Latvia. On the other hand, Įrts has been a sales manager in Latvia and Lithuania for 14 years.
Evija and Girts have been together for 19 years, but have known each other since kindergarten. Their resources seem to be inexhaustible. They jointly take care of their three children as well invest your work and heart, renovating the 100-year-old former windmill and owner’s house purchased 8 years ago.
In addition to daily chores and taking care of their family, they find the strength to support others as well. Evija has been active in the parents’ council of the school in Jumprava for a long time. This year, Evija was elected as a board member of the Society of Social Workers of Latvia. The unity of the family is so great that they have been able to share their experiences and pain special in raising a child to encourage and support other families with such children.
“Girts is hardworking, calm, purposeful, with golden hands, because he actually restored the house from the ruins. He is a great dad and a very good husband who cooks well, helps clean the house and iron clothes. He is good at field work in the garden. He has made a kayak himself, sometimes boats, and is also fond of fishing. Girts supports my ideas and grounds me,” is how Evija describes her husband.
On the other hand, Đirts says about Evia: “I’m lucky! Evie is the best and most beautiful. She cooks delicious food, knows how to iron a shirt and hem pants. Evia always has some ideas, is ready to help everyone and get involved everywhere. She is a great mom!”
Offspring of the Rutman family are also active. Karlina attends folk dances, art school, theater group in English, cooking group, is active in the youth guard and the school’s youth council. Ernest is passionate about mathematics, dances folk dances, attends karate lessons, has obtained a yellow belt. Darta, on the other hand, has a rare illness, but she also likes to dance folk dances and enjoys the support and love of her family.
The presentation of the “Honorary Family of Latvia 2024” award took place on May 1 at the Riga Zoo during the celebration of the Day of Large Families. This year, the Otomer family from Bauska region, which has nine children, received the title of honorary family. On the other hand, the Ozolu family from Jelgava, which has 11 children, was selected as the European Honorary Family in 2024.
