ACTION ESTONIA COMMITTEE

For several years now the program group Action Estonia of the Ottawa Estonian Society, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Ottawa, has financially supported projects for street kids in Estonia.

Estonia has enjoyed remarkable economic progress in the last few years. However, our fatherland is still struggling to overcome a half century of gross economic mismanagement and human rights abuses, many purposely designed by the soviet system to weaken or even destroy the family unit. While all levels of government in Estonia are attempting to deal with the matter of families with children at risk, resources are still limited and it may be some time yet before the residual taint of communism is fully excised from Estonian social conciousness.

Funding continues to be needed for programs that provide a place and activities for children after school hours since in many instances both parents either have to work or the family only has one parent. These programs help provide children, some as young as seven, with adult supervision and direction until someone is available at home. The schools are aware of and try to provide at risk children with after school programs where they receive tutoring, mentoring, instruction in basic hygene as well as sports and cultural activities. Educators, psychologists and sociologists volunteer their time. In the summer many city children are provided opportunities for fresh air actitivities such as camping at pre-selected and supervised country locations.

Both the Rotary Club of Ottawa and the Estonian community in North America wish to assist in providing a brighter future for at risk children in Estonia. Your financial contribution will help this happen and donations are tax deductible.

The project is administered in such a way through volunteer efforts that over 99% of monies donated directly reach the intended recipient in Estonia. As well, Action Estonia members volunteer time during their personal trips to Estonia and follow up projects on site.

If you wish further information on this very worthwhile endeavour, please contact our secretary Dr. Ülle Baum at or you can write to us at the address below.

Cheques should be made payable to “Street Kids in Estonia” and sent to:

Action Estonia
c/o Embassy of the Republic of Estonia,
260 Dalhousie St. Suite 210,
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 7E4

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