Minister of Education and Science Kristina Kalas stated that the transition to education in the Estonian language is one of the largest and most costly educational reforms in the country's history, ERR reports.
The total investment is estimated at around 500 million euros, Kalas said in response to a request from opposition Riigikogu member Alexander Chaplygin (Center Party).
"The transition to education in the Estonian language is one of the most expensive educational reforms in the history of Estonia," emphasized Kalas.
According to the minister, the funds are directed towards increasing teachers' salaries, training new educators, providing language support for students, and supplying schools with educational materials.
Kristina Kalas also noted that local governments play a key role in supporting the transition to education in the Estonian language. According to her, they are responsible for ensuring that educational institutions are led by professionals. Their task as owners of schools and kindergartens is to ensure that qualified teachers with the necessary level of proficiency in the Estonian language work in the institutions.
The transition to education in the Estonian language began in the fall of 2024 and will last until 2030.
