At the Ida-Viru Vocational Education Center (IVKHK), about one fifth of students are failing to attend Estonian language courses regularly, as revealed by school director Hendrik Agur. Approximately 100 out of 500 enrolled students have not been participating consistently since the courses began on February 2. This issue is alarming given the importance of language acquisition for students living in Estonia, particularly in a region with a significant Russian-speaking population.

Director Agur emphasized the necessity for parents to engage with their children regarding the importance of language learning, encouraging them to discuss at home the value of this opportunity rather than viewing it as a mandatory requirement. In a social media message directed at parents, he urged them to recognize and foster an understanding of the significance of this period in their children's lives and how crucial it is to make the most of the opportunity to learn the Estonian language. He expressed a commitment to provide quality language instruction at the school.

Local officials, including Narva's mayor Katri Raik, have also acknowledged the issue, suggesting that the school itself must take some responsibility for the absence of students in language classes. This ongoing situation poses challenges not only for the students’ educational paths but also for their integration into Estonian society, highlighting systemic issues in education in a multilingual context in the country.