There are 280 integration and language camps for young people from Ukraine and Estonia
At the end of June, the first integration and language camps for Ukrainian and Estonian youth started. In total, with the support of the state, 280 camp shifts are held, which create opportunities for young people to learn the language, communicate with each other and offer joint activities for development.
Head of the field of education in the interests of the Ministry of Education and Science Tormi Kotkasbelieves that Ukrainian youth are well taken care of in Estonia and that, thanks to developmental and playful activities, the youth also develop language skills. "For example, the camps conduct scientific experiments, engage in sports, baking, needlework and sculpting, play various Estonian songs and dancing games. Learning the Estonian language is a natural part of these activities and games - under the guidance of the counselors, the camp participants get to know each other's language and culture. In overnight camps, leisure and social activities are added to interest activities, which in turn creates good opportunities to learn Estonian and make new friends."
"Our first camp shift ended on July 11, and after the end of the camp, the Ukrainian youth were able to congratulate, thank and tell something about themselves in the Estonian language," said Katrin Pree , representative of the Valhemets youth camp . "Based on feedback, we can say that Ukrainian youth found friends in the camp, and also exchanged contacts on social networks for further communication. This is an indicator that young people are interested in communicating with each other, which in turn is a good motivation to learn the language."
In the tour, which ended in mid-June, 151 petitions regarding the organization of camps were submitted. 138 requests received a positive decision on financing, the total amount of state support amounted to 1.9 million euros. In total, more than 11,000 young people from Estonia and Ukraine will take part in the camps. The largest number of camp organizers are youth and educational organizations (40%) and secondary schools (17%). 42 camps are conducted as overnight project camps and the rest as day camps. At least ten young people participate in one camp shift.
The aid for the camp can be used until October 30, 2022. This means that the camp can be organized not only in the summer, but also during the autumn holidays.
At the expense of the additional budget, the state will support the organization of youth camps so that Ukrainian youth can quickly adapt to the Estonian language and culture and be ready to continue studying in schools with the Estonian language of instruction in the fall.
More information about camps for target groups will be provided by the organizations organizing the camps.
Source: https://www.hm.ee/uk/node/15003