The Estonian president, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, invited Estonian children to participate in an art competition, “All the Good Things in Estonia”; almost 12,000 drawings were submitted from all over the country.
“With your child, think about what makes Estonia a good place in which to live. We can enjoy both big and small things – our culture, traditions, nature and family, next of kin and friends – everything is important,” Ilves said, inviting the country’s children to participate. “In ten to fifteen years, the children of today will be shaping our country. I am extremely interested in learning about their perspective on Estonia.” The call to participate was sent to all schools and kindergartens, as well as hobby groups and shelters.
Almost 12,000 drawings were submitted. Despite Estonia’s image as an IT-tiger, where kids are taught to code from day one at school, the technological success has not heavily entered into children’s folklore yet – Estonia’s first satellite EstCube is depicted quite a few times, but Skype has inspired just a single aspiring artist.
Most children appreciate Estonia’s relatively unspoilt nature, wildlife and clean environment, but natural food, four seasons, cultural and singing and dancing traditions are also clearly in children’s minds. Naturally, one’s own family and pets, as well as schools are also held in high esteem.
Estonian World took a look of submitted drawings and chose a selection of some more distinctive ones.
I
Cover photo by Henriette Solweig-Hiiemäe (15). Photos courtesy of the Office of the President. You can see all the drawingshere.
Estonian World is a global independent online magazine, founded in London in 2012 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. The magazine has editorial representations in London, Boston, Los Angeles and Tallinn, and contributors all over the world, on every continent. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.