On Saturday, 5 September, the Estonian School in London began its first school year with an official ceremony that included the children, parents, teachers and supporters of the school. The event was opened by Estonian Ambassador to the United Kingdom Margus Laidre, who read greetings from Minister of Education Tõnis Lukas and Minister of Culture Laine Jänes.
Minister of Education Tõnis Lukas wished the Estonian School in London a good school year and successful studies. “Now Estonian children living in London also have a better chance of preserving their language ties and improving their knowledge of their mother tongue,” Lukas noted. “The Estonian language is the most important trait of the Estonian identity—throughout history our language has been the primary tool to pass along our culture and hold our people together,” he added.
Minister of Culture Laine Jänes said that the opening of an Estonian school in London makes a great contribution to the preservation of the Estonian language and culture. “Our language and culture are unique, and when we are abroad, among many other cultures, they are even more unique,” said Jänes in her greeting. “Teaching in our language is so valuable for the children, and in this way the connection with their roots will remain in the bottom of their hearts,” she added.
The Estonian School in London is an Estonian-language school that was established by parents with the support of the Estonian Embassy in the spring of 2009. By the beginning of September there were 36 children registered at the school, and instruction will take place in four different groups twice a month on Saturdays. The school’s space is in the Chiswick Community School’s Adult Education Centre in West London. In addition to the Estonian Embassy, the Estonian School in London has also received the support of the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Culture, the Estonian Institute, and many others in Great Britain and in Estonia.
Estonian has been taught earlier at Estonian Houses in London, Bradford and Leicester. The children’s summer camp held in Catthorpe Manor in Central England celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.
Everyone who is interested in the Estonian School and would like to support the school or register their children can contact the school via email at [email protected]. Information about the school can be found on the school’s website www.minusaatkond.co.uk/eestikoollondonis.
SPOKESPERSON''S OFFICE
+372 637 7654
+372 521 6821
[email protected]
