OEF Helps Students from EU Eastern Partnership Countries

According to OEF’s Executive Director Mall Hellam, educating young people is a rewarding investment in democracy. “When the Open Estonia Foundation was established 20 years ago, we soon started supporting the studies of the Estonian youth at Western universities where they returned from with novel ideas for improving life in Estonia,” Hellam said. “Now we are glad help our Eastern neighbors in their endeavors for a more open society, where young people have a key role,” she stressed.

Hellam added that all applicants were determined to return to their home country after finishing their studies to help carry out changes. 

The coordinator of the scholarship program Kelly Grossthal explained that all students who will receive the 22 500 EEK scholarship showed an excellent academic record, a clear vision for the future and are socially active. They are all studying at the University of Tallinn, University of Tartu or the Tallinn University of Technology on different fields ranging from cinematography and software engineering to European studies and semiotics.

Additional to supporting students, the Open Estonia Foundation promotes cooperation with the EU’s Eastern neighbors through its East-East: Partnership Beyond Borders Program. With help from this program, Estonian specialists will visit Georgia this February to exchange experience on the inclusion of people with mental disabilities into the society. 

Additional information:

Kelly Grossthal
Open Estonia Foundation
+3726313791
kelly@oef.org.ee