“The Language of Dignity”: a special lesson at the Ukrainian school “Nadiia” in Tallinn

10 October 2026

The Ukrainian weekend school “Nadiia”, which operates at the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia, held an open lesson “The Language of Dignity”. The guest of honour was the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia Volodymyr Boiechko.

Filled with children’s smiles, Ukrainian songs and love for their mother tongue, the meeting was another reminder of how important it is to preserve Ukrainian identity far from the homeland.

The “Nadiia” school turns 29

In 2026 the Ukrainian school “Nadiia” marks its 29th anniversary. For almost three decades it has remained a centre of the Ukrainian language, culture and traditions and of raising new generations of Ukrainians in Estonia.

Here children not only learn but also make friends, get to know Ukrainian history, sing, create and feel part of the big Ukrainian family.

The meeting began with an introduction to the teaching staff. Deputy head Alla Inno-Yakymenko presented the teachers and spoke about their education, professional experience and dedication. Most of the teachers hold two university degrees, and each of them brings many years of experience, solid knowledge and genuine love for children.

Alla Inno-Yakymenko also presented the school’s achievements over the past academic year. Pupils and teachers took part in educational and cultural projects, festivals, choir performances, theatre productions, children’s camps, trips and creative initiatives. Plans for the 2026–2027 academic year were presented separately.

Words that carry respect and responsibility

The highlight of the meeting was the open lesson “The Language of Dignity”, led by Ukrainian language and Ukrainian studies teacher Tetiana Klymenko together with Ukrainian language teacher Olena Kozmenko.

Together with their teachers, the children reflected on the power of the human word, gratitude to Ukraine’s defenders, love for parents and family, respect for elders, support for friends and care for people in need.

The language of dignity is not just beautiful words. Above all it is respect for the person, kindness, compassion, responsibility and the ability to support one another.

10 October is World Mental Health Day. On this occasion, Olena Kozmenko led exercises for the children devoted to mental health and emotional well-being.

The ability to understand one’s own feelings, take care of oneself and support others is also an integral part of a culture of dignity.

Ukrainian song brought everyone together

Especially moving was the performance of the school choir led by music teacher Karina Amirkhanian.

The Ukrainian songs sung by the children were a reminder once again that culture lives where it is loved, cherished and passed on to the next generations.

Warm words were also addressed to the teachers that day. Shortly before the meeting, Teachers’ Day was celebrated on 4 October in Ukraine and on 5 October in Estonia. The event was an opportunity to thank the people who every day invest their knowledge, love and soul into raising Ukrainian children.

From preserving roots to confident integration

Vladimir Palamar, Director of the “Nadiia” school and Chairman of the Board of the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia, congratulated the teachers on their professional holiday and thanked them for their dedicated work. He expressed special thanks to the Embassy of Ukraine in Estonia for its many years of attention and support for the school.

In his speech, Vladimir Palamar recalled how the mission of “Nadiia” has changed over 29 years.

The school was originally created for children of Ukrainian families who were born or grew up in Estonia, so that they could learn their mother tongue, discover their culture and keep a connection with their roots.

After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the school welcomed children who had been forced to leave their homeland with their families. It became for them not only a place of learning but also an important support — “a foundation for those forced to seek their place in a foreign land”.

At the same time, Vladimir Palamar stressed the importance of learning the Estonian language and culture — of the country that gave Ukrainians refuge and continues to support Ukraine.

In this context, the words of Taras Shevchenko sound especially relevant:

“Learn from others, but do not forsake your own.”

Ukrainian children can become a full part of Estonian society, learn its language, culture and traditions, and at the same time preserve their own historical memory and national identity.

Words of gratitude and gifts for the children

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia Volodymyr Boiechko joined the congratulations. He thanked the teachers for their daily work, creativity and dedication.

The Ambassador also shared personal memories, as he himself comes from a family of teachers and knows well how much patience, love and wisdom the teaching profession requires.

At the end of the meeting, Volodymyr Boiechko presented the children with books by the Ukrainian writer, poet and journalist Nadiia Kyrian, which he had brought from his native Kyiv region.

Together with the Ambassador, the pupils recorded a warm video greeting for the writer, thanking her for her work. The children also received sweet gifts, a pleasant end to a special day.

For the Association of Ukrainian Organizations in Estonia, the “Nadiia” school is much more than an educational institution. It is a place where for 29 years the Ukrainian language, culture, traditions and love for Ukraine have been preserved and passed on to children.

The Association sincerely thanks the Ambassador of Ukraine to Estonia Volodymyr Boiechko for his attention to the school, the warm meeting and the gifts for the children.

We express our deep gratitude to the teachers of “Nadiia”, to the parents and to everyone who helps the school live, grow and raise new generations of Ukrainians.

Ukraine lives wherever the Ukrainian language is heard. And as long as our children speak, sing and dream in Ukrainian, their bond with the homeland remains unbreakable.

Open lesson “The Language of Dignity” with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Estonia Volodymyr Boiechko, teachers and pupils of the Ukrainian weekend school “Nadiia”. Tallinn, 10 October 2026.