Lithuanian child day centers face significant funding crisis

Child day centers in Lithuania are facing a significant funding crisis as the upcoming September deadline approaches. The National Network of Poverty Reduction Organizations has called for an increase in funding to 16.3 million euros for 2027, up from the current 9.5 million euros.

Data indicates that 80 percent of the country's child day centers lack sufficient funds, primarily to cover staff salaries. While the minimum monthly wage (MMA) has increased by nearly 80 percent over the last five years, funding for these centers has only grown by 20 percent during the same period. This discrepancy makes it difficult for centers to keep pace with rising labor costs and inflation.

The requested funding would support more than 510 centers across 58 municipalities, providing services to over 14,000 children.