Hendrik Agur, the director of the Ida-Viru Vocational Education Centre, has initiated an intensive Estonian language course aimed at students who have a proficiency level below B1. This program is specifically designed for first and second-year students to enhance their language skills before they return to their regular studies. The school's focus during this period is solely on language acquisition, which temporarily suspends vocational training to prioritize language learning. The initiative highlights the centre's commitment to fostering Estonian language and culture among its students.

However, since the beginning of February, the program has faced significant challenges, with approximately one hundred students, or about a quarter of those eligible, either dropping out or failing to attend the courses altogether. In light of these challenges, Director Agur has made a public appeal to parents to discuss the importance of language education with their children. This statement serves to emphasize that the responsibility for ensuring compliance with school attendance for minors also rests with the parents, suggesting a broader community approach to education and language learning.

Agur's initiative not only aims to improve language skills but also addresses issues of cultural integration and identity in the region. As the Ida-Viru area has a significant Russian-speaking population, the promotion of the Estonian language is crucial for better integration into the local society. The outcome of these language courses can have implications for the students' future employability in a changing job market, where proficiency in the Estonian language is increasingly valued.