The Turto bankas premises located in Vilnius, next to the Neris River, will welcome new residents this year. The 1 sq. m premises will be occupied by the Public Institution Demokratinė mokykla, which won a public rental competition. A 600-year lease agreement has been concluded with the school, which has been operating for a decade and whose mission is to educate an authentic person who loves himself, others and the world around him and strives for constant improvement.
Aida Čeičienė, Head of Property Lease at the Asset Management Department of Turto Bankas, is pleased that the property managed by the company will be able to contribute to the creation of a modern school and will become a second home for young people from Vilnius.
"Improving the education system is one of the state's priorities every year. Therefore, I am very pleased that we can contribute to this. We believe that this building, with its unique layout and excellent strategic location in the city, will be a source of inspiration, knowledge and opportunities for the capital's students," says A. Čeičienė.
The director of the Democratic School, Nerijus Buivydas, says that the search for new premises in the capital lasted 3 years. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to participate in the competition for the lease of a building in the center of Vilnius, at Žygimantų g. 4, there were no major hesitations. According to the school director, the city center means a greater variety of educational opportunities, more convenient accessibility and a greater offer of partnerships with universities, public organizations, and business enterprises.
"When choosing our school building, we looked at many options, but there are very few suitable premises in Vilnius that are adapted to a school. The current building is one of the few that met our needs and allowed us to think about long-term, sustainable development. It is a building with history, full of experience and warmth, where another similar educational institution previously operated. And it is very important for us - to continue a vibrant educational line in such a place. The building is four-storey, spacious, and could accommodate up to 300 students," says N. Buivydas.
He notes that in addition to technical and infrastructural issues (number of classes and space for growth), it was also important that the building had an internal courtyard. It is very important for children to have space to be outside during breaks, to play, to move around. The school plans to renovate the existing sports field and add new equipment.
"There is no shortage of green nature here - the Neris embankment, which is perfect for various activities, is nearby, and - Mountain park and Bernardine Garden. Our traditional run around the school, which, by the way, we have already started organizing open to everyone, will have a new fantastic route,” the school principal is happy.
The new premises also captivated the school administration with its architecture. The building has its own character – classicist architecture, tall windows, arched shapes, graceful spiral staircases – all of which create a special atmosphere. According to N. Buivydas, it reminds children of the magical world of Hogwarts – and such an environment, it is believed, inspires learning and creativity.
The school's location in the city center will open up another opportunity not only for students, but also for all citizens. The DEMO cafe, which is being created by the school's students themselves, will now be able to operate more widely than in its previous premises. The cafe will be open to visitors not only by parents, but also by people working nearby and passers-by. By settling in the premises managed by Turto bankas, the Democratic School promises to bring even more community spirit and traditions to the center of the capital - from children's organized blue market to other inclusive events.
After completing the preparatory work, the school will welcome children on September 1 of this year.
