As a community living far from Estonia, we know how important it is to come together, share experiences and speak openly about what matters to us. On Saturday, 29 November 2025, Melbourne invites you to an open discussion with Minister Kristina Kallas.
This event is for all of us — families raising bilingual children, adults learning Estonian later in life, teachers, grandparents and anyone who simply wants to stay close to their Estonian roots. It’s a chance to reflect on our shared experiences and hear directly from the Minister about how Estonia is thinking about education and language learning abroad.
Event details
📅 Date: Saturday, 29 November 2025
🕚 Time: 11.00am – 1.00pm
📍 Location: Melbourne Estonian House, 43 Melville Road, Brunswick West VIC 3055.
🎟️ Tickets: Free entry, please RSVP for catering purposes.
☕ After the program: Light refreshments and a chance to talk and connect.
Program highlights
We’ll begin the morning with a performance by the Melbourne women’s choir Kodu Kaja, whose singing always brings a sense of home into the room. After that, we will take a moment to recognise some of the meaningful contributions made within our community.
Minister Kristina Kallas will then share her insights on education in Estonia — from supporting language learning to building connections with diaspora communities. The morning will continue with an open Q&A, giving everyone the opportunity to raise questions, share concerns and speak about hopes for keeping Estonian learning alive across generations.
Why this conversation matters
Living outside Estonia gives us unique opportunities, but it also means we carry a shared responsibility to keep our language and traditions strong. Many of us navigate questions about how to teach Estonian at home, how to stay connected to culture, and how to support learning when resources are limited.
This gathering creates space for honest conversation — what’s working, what we need, and how Estonia can partner with communities like ours. Hear from the minister, but also from other community members.
About the minister
Kristina Kallas is Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research, overseeing national education policy, research development, innovation and Estonian language programs at home and abroad. She works to strengthen access to education, support innovation in teaching and ensure that Estonian communities around the world feel seen and included in the bigger national story.
Read more about Kristina Kallas here.
Everyone is welcome
Whether you’re teaching Estonian at home, learning the language yourself, or simply wanting to stay close to your cultural heritage, you are warmly invited to join. These conversations help shape the future of our community and your voice matters.
This event is hosted by the Melbourne Estonian Society.
