Tallinn’s Vabaduse School that is meant for for war refugee children from Ukraine needs 60 teachers to open its doors as a fully operational school this September. Currently it’s short just 14, reports Estonian Public Broadcasting ERR.
A total of 3 500 refugee children in Estonia should be starting school at the basic or high school level this fall. Located on Endla tänav, Vabaduse School has a maximum capacity of 800 students, and to date had received applications from 603 children.
Olga Selištševa, director of studies at Vabaduse School, said that the school will be opened for 600 in September but is short on teachers, adding that it has been hardest to find teachers for the sciences.
ERR informs that the school wants to start operating with a total of 60 teachers, but currently has just 46 signed on to start this September.
The school recruited ethnic Ukrainian teachers who had taught at local schools and want to continue teaching.
Vabaduse School is cooperating with Tallinn Education Department to ensure that students who don’t fit in the Endla tänav school still find a place in another school.
Studies at the new school will follow Estonia’s national curriculum, and at least 60 percent in the Estonian language. The school intends to work on students’ Estonian language skills in creative subjects, including technology, art and physical education.
Vabaduse School is committed to a tailored approach to children, for which it has also hired assistant teachers as well as a support team. The director of studies said that the degree of personalization depends on the number of students, which is why class size at the school will be capped at 22.
Asked how long a Ukrainian school might be necessary in Estonia, Selištševa said that expectations vary, as many families want to go home, but others are also considering remaining in Estonia so that their children can continue their education here.