The article discusses the potential for Estonian education to strengthen ties with the diaspora, estimating that around 25,000 young Estonians abroad could be encouraged to study in Estonia.
The article highlights a commonly shared sentiment among Estonians in Canada, claiming that one in five Estonians live abroad. This assertion raises awareness regarding the significant number of young Estonians scattered worldwide. According to estimates from the Foreign Ministry, there are approximately 25,000 Estonian youth who could potentially pursue their higher education in Estonia, thereby strengthening their connection to their home country.
This opportunity not only presents a chance for individuals to reconnect with their roots but also aims to enrich Estonia's educational landscape by infusing it with diverse experiences and perspectives from students who have lived abroad. The government and educational institutions are encouraged to develop programs that make it easier and more attractive for these young individuals to return to Estonia for their studies, which would foster a deeper sense of belonging among them.
Encouraging Estonian youth living abroad to study in their homeland could have broader implications for Estonia’s cultural and economic resilience. By bridging the gap between the diaspora and the homeland through education, Estonia can strengthen its cultural identity and ensure that future generations remain closely linked to their heritage, fostering a more united national community.
