“Where Does Democracy Begin?”: Summer Project for Ukrainian Youth Concludes in Estonia

In August 2026, the summer project “Where Does Democracy Begin?” concluded at the Happy Classes educational centre. Around 25 Ukrainian teenagers aged 11 to 15 who currently live in Estonia participated in the project.

For the third consecutive year, the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia has supported Happy Classes summer educational initiatives aimed at developing Ukrainian children and young people, preserving their identity and supporting their successful integration into Estonian society.

The Association’s Communications Director, Inna Hordiienko, attended the project’s closing event.

Democracy Begins with Responsibility
Throughout the summer, participants learned about European values and the fundamental principles of democracy. They practised working together, expressing their opinions, listening to one another and taking responsibility for their decisions.

During the meeting, Inna Hordiienko explained that democracy does not begin only with the work of state institutions or participation in elections. It begins with respect for others, recognition of their right to hold their own views, readiness to take responsibility for one’s decisions and an honest question: “What can I do personally?”

These values are especially important for Ukraine today. Our country is fighting for the right to determine its own future, preserve the Ukrainian language, culture and historical memory, and remain part of a free and democratic Europe.

Special attention was also given to the role of young Ukrainians in representing their country abroad. Ukraine is represented in Estonia not only by diplomats and civil society organisations, but also by everyone who speaks Ukrainian, introduces friends to our culture, music and traditions, and tells the truth about Ukraine.

Learning, Creativity and Active Recreation
The project’s educational programme was combined with sports, hiking, surfing, rock climbing and other activities.

Participants also worked together to create a book about Europe, democratic values and a character named Rudyk, who searches for his place in Europe and finds a new home in Estonia.

It is especially important that children who attend the Nadija Kool Ukrainian weekend school, the Sunday school of the Ukrainian Youth Association in Estonia, participate in the Volya Ukrainian Song and Dance Ensemble or take part in other projects run by the Association’s member organisations can also remain in a Ukrainian-speaking environment during the summer, develop their abilities, socialise and spend their time meaningfully.

Such initiatives help Ukrainian children preserve their language, culture and connection with their homeland. At the same time, they gain a better understanding of Estonia and European values and integrate confidently into the society of the country that has become a new home for many of them.

Ukrainian Song Brings People Together
A performance by the Dzherelo Ensemble provided a musical highlight at the project’s closing event. The ensemble represents the Prosvita Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Society, one of the member organisations of the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia.

The children, teachers and parents enjoyed well-known Ukrainian songs, while everyone joined together to sing the legendary “Chervona Ruta.”

The Association sincerely thanks ensemble members Taras Muzychko, Viktoriia Pakholko, Larysa Kovalenko, Kateryna Chalova, Inna Filipova and Olga Dalga for preserving and promoting Ukrainian song in Estonia.

Thanks to the Organisers and Partners
We express our gratitude to Happy Classes Director and Project Manager Nadezda Kleptsova, as well as all mentors and educators, for their consistent work with Ukrainian children, their care and their efforts to create an environment where young people can develop, preserve their Ukrainian identity and feel confident in Estonia.

The “Where Does Democracy Begin?” project was implemented with the support of the Integration Foundation and the Happy Classes educational centre.

The Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia will continue supporting initiatives that help Ukrainian children and young people preserve their identity, develop their abilities and become active, responsible members of a democratic society.