What is Estonian School Student Councils’ Union?
Estonian School Student Councils’ Union (ESCU) was founded on 17th-18th October 1998 when a General Assembly was held in Tallinn Pedagogical University. At this assembly the representatives of school students’ councils decided to found an informal organisation uniting the regional unions of school students’ councils – The Estonian Student Councils’ Union.
Today ESCU represents more than 115 000 students through its members, making it the biggest youth-organisation in Estonia. ESCU is lead by voluntary members of board, who are all school students, elected at the bi- annual General Assembly.
The Estonian School Student Councils’ Union is a union of school students’ councils that represents the Estonian pupils.
ESCU’s objectives are:
- To represent the views of school students in Estonia towards the different educational institutions and platforms;
- To uphold and improve the quality and accessibility of education and educational democracy in Estonia;
- To provide assistance and support to school student unions and co-operate for the development of school student structures;
- To promote greater solidarity, cooperation and understanding among school students and to put an end to discrimination and injustice where they exist within the educational systems in Estonia.
Events and projects
ESCU organizes at least three large-scale events annually – two general meetings, at which representatives of ESCU members (schools) gather in the spring and fall to determine their position on policy issues in the field, confirm documents and elect a board.
In order to achieve its objectives, ESCU also organises roundtables, workshops, seminars, researches, conferences and camps, interacts with the media, allows students to attend international conferences and camps, and organises various projects (Orphanage project called “Every child has a right to a smile”; “101 children to Toompea”, “Tolerant School”, etc).
Our most remarkable project that we lead to this day is Tolerant School. In March 2016, Estonian School Student Councils’ Union in collaboration with NGO Foorumteater kick-started a national project called “Tolerant School’’. Its aim is to raise awareness about school bullying and focusing more on the aspect of creating an ideal school environment for pupils to study in, rather than on the physical violence. They wish to spread the message that education is best achieved in a harmonically balanced establishment. For more information: www.sallivkool.ee
ESCU’s departments
Communications department
Department of Communication is responsible for the representation of ESCU in media and social networks.
Public Policy department
The aim of the Department of Public Policy is forming ESCU’s political platform, compiling official documents, issuing opinion articles and ensuring constant participation in formation of education policy.
Members department
The main role of the Department of Members is to ensure maximum participation of members at ESCU General Assemblies. They are also responsible for trainings, workshops, mentor programs and their documentation.
Who to contact?
If your school doesn’t have a representative office or the school/administration can’t resolve your issue, please contact ESCU. Our contact information is below.
For international projects and questions, contact our International Officer Karola Kuldsaar (karola.kuldsaar@opilasliit.ee)
