Originally from Mārupe, near Riga, Ernests founded Ernesta Metode during his first year at SSE Riga. The digital learning platform combines video lessons and gamified exercises to make mathematics more accessible and engaging for young learners. It has quickly gained popularity among students and teachers across Latvia.

– Technology allows us to personalize education in a way that traditional methods often cannot. With Ernesta Metode, students can learn at their own pace while staying motivated through interactive and game-based elements.

Before launching his educational initiative, Ernests was a prominent ice hockey player, winning the national championship in Latvia’s top league. At school, he was best known as “the math guy” – the go-to person for classmates needing help with their math homework.
 

As demand for his tutoring grew, Ernests decided to record an instructional video explaining key mathematical concepts. The video spread rapidly on social media, attracting students from all over the country who sought his help. This experience made him aware of the widespread challenges Latvian students faced in mathematics.


– I realized that many students struggled with math simply because they lacked engaging and accessible resources. I wanted to change that by creating something that makes learning both effective and fun. Today, my team and I combine digital learning with guidance from young educators, enabling students to develop their skills in a way that is tailored to their individual needs.

Ernesta Metode has over 80 active students. Ernests aims to expand the platform, aiming for 160 students in the end of spring.

– This scholarship is an honor and a real encouragement to keep up my work. It motivates me to help even more young people see math not as a challenge, but as a tool they can use with confidence in everyday life.

Ernests makes history as the first-ever first-year student to receive the scholarship at SSE Riga. The scholarship was presented at the Anders Wall Foundation’s annual award ceremony in Stockholm, in the presence of Prince Daniel.