“Estonian culture, music and theatre began long before our country gained independence,” said President Karis. “In fact, it was culture that gave us the impetus to achieve freedom. Currently the culture of Estonia is our sole permanent possession. The only thing that cannot be sold or exchanged.”
The head of state emphasised that we need to do everything in our power to ensure that our best young people understand that they are wanted and needed in Estonia. “This applies especially to those who went to study abroad for a while. The finest representatives of our musical culture must live in Estonia, they must have a place here. Every corner of Estonia needs properly educated, cultured people,” President Karis concluded.
In his address, President Karis also discussed insufficient funding of higher education. “It is embarrassing to see that we are incapable of paying worthy wages to lecturers – to those who, along with our school teachers, are shaping our future. As life becomes increasingly expensive, more and more students are forced to juggle studies and work. Young university graduates are not eager to become lecturers simply because they cannot afford it,” said the head of state, adding that first signs are appearing of the desire to improve the situation gradually and he hopes that this will bring results.
The head of state also expressed his concern about scientific research opportunities and gaps in the field of studying the history of music and theatre of Estonia, as well as transference of crucial parts of global culture into the Estonian language and cultural space. President Karis stressed to the teaching staff that their academy should not be a mere vocational school of arts.
