A total of 30 students, including 23 from Narva Language Lyceum, three from Narva Pähklimäe Gymnasium, three from Narva Kesklinna Gymnasium and one from Sillamäe Kannuka School, took part in the first (1-10 May), second (13-22 May) and third (24 May to 2 June) family studies in Võru County.
The impressions of the participants in the ‘Spend the School Holidays in Võru County’ project are positive – family student exchanges are a great opportunity to communicate in Estonian and constantly hear Estonian spoken around you. The weather was also great, so the students spent time at Tamula beach and on its promenade after their lessons. The families in Võru County who hosted the students are also happy: “The kids were great and everything went well.”
Elizaveta Tsõganova had the most praise for the great teachers and friendly classmates at Võru Gymnasium. Allan Ivanov also mentioned the helpful students at Võru Gymnasium first and foremost. They also spoke highly of the good living conditions, interesting excursions and tasty food. Anastassia Ivanova agreed with them – she also thinks the lunches at Võru Gymnasium were good.
Maivi Liiskmann, Project Manager with the NPO Volonta, the organiser of the family studies, said that the positive comments of the participants are the best advertisement for the project. “They also encourage their classmates to come to Võru County for 10 days to practise their Estonian and take part in joint initiatives,” she said.
Jana Tondi, the Head of Language and Cultural Immersion with the Integration Foundation, says the organisers really make an effort to make learning Estonian language and culture in Estonian families a success. “The satisfaction of the students and their parents with the family studies is of primary importance, but the selection of the cultural programme, free-time opportunities and, of course, food are no less important,” she said.
The Integration Foundation is supporting the participation of 204 young people in family studies this summer.