Adult Education in Estonia in the 1930s

Authors

• Tero Tuomisto

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37456/tvt.125579

Keywords:

vapaa sivistystyö, työväenliike, Viro

Abstract

Estonia became independent in February 1918. An adult education organization Eesti haridusliit (”education association”) started in 1925. It organized courses, lectures, and study circles, and fostered library and theatre activities.

An idea of adult education for the working people caught wind in Estonia in 1929. Eesti tööliste haridusliit (”educational association for the workers”) was founded in 1931. The founders were the central trade union (6000 members), workers` sports federation (1600 members) and workers` theatre in Tallinn. The first actions taken were starting lectures, training the study tutors, and promoting the use of libraries. The Finnish TSL (The Workers` Educational Association, WEA) provided an example for the activities. Soon there were 27 study circles in operation.

The lectures were open for all, but mainly intended for the trade union activists. It was estimated that during the first year of operation more than 300 people attended the lectures. The first training course for the study circle tutors was arranged in Tallinn in October 1933 with 45 participants. The courses and the study days were organized mainly among the trade union people, in greater towns and villages. During the winter of 1933–1934 there were more than 50 active study circles.

The difficulties started in the spring of 1934 with the change of the political climate. Gradually, the authoritarian right-wing administration gained power in Estonia. The study activities were restricted and, in the fall of 1934, there were only a few study circles left. Finally, Eesti tööliste haridusliit was suppressed by officials in October 1937.

Open and free adult education would not be possible again until the beginning of the 1990`s, when Estonia became independent again.