Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine continues. Ukrainians who fled their homeland continue to live in onerous conditions in many countries, including Estonia. These refugees include 300 students at the University of Tartu. The University made a commitment to these students at the outset of the 2022 invasion, and established a fund in their support. To date the fund has been able to provide much needed financial support of 150,000 euros to Ukrainian students in need. A large measure of the money donated came from the Estonian diaspora. Estonian organizations and individuals in both Canada and the United States donated almost $80,000 CDN in support of Ukrainian refugee students. The University of Tartu was extremely grateful in acknowledging this support.
Many of the Ukrainian students studying in Tartu have provided testimonials in gratitude for the support received, including the following:
“The scholarship was my salvation basically. Why? Because there is chaos in my country, Ukraine. The economy is unstable because of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Briefly, my mother has a salary that is not enough to cover the needs of both of us. This scholarship has helped me to pay rent for a room in the dormitory for a long time and to afford necessary things such as food, care products, and more.”
“I want to express my profound gratitude to the University of Tartu for offering Ukrainian students this scholarship. After I moved to Estonia to pursue my master’s degree, my family made the decision to remain in Ukraine. Even with the advantage of a tuition waiver, it would be a considerable challenge for my family to provide the necessary means to support me in a foreign country, especially given the circumstances of the ongoing war. The scholarship enabled me to financially support myself, allowing me to concentrate more on my studies. As a result, I achieved academic success and was awarded an achievement stipend after just one semester of studies. I am optimistic that this scholarship for Ukrainian students will provide a sense of security in a foreign country. By relieving the pressure to earn a living, it empowers young Ukrainians to concentrate on their studies and pursue their academic objectives with greater focus and dedication.”
“This scholarship helped me a lot during my studies at the University of Tartu. The fact is that my family and I, as refugees from Ukraine, need to rent housing in Tartu and find money for food. My family and I personally are very grateful for the financial support! This is especially important during the first period of being in a new country, when you have just arrived, and it is difficult to immediately socialize in a new society. Your help was very important! We appreciate it and will never forget!”
Sadly, the harsh reality of the war continues. The needs of Ukrainian refugee students for support continues too, but support is limited by the money remaining in the Fund.
The University would like to provide additional financial support to Ukrainian students from the fund beginning in mid February this year. The fund has been drawn down to a very low level. Plans for this initiative are in doubt without further support.
In this new campaign, to date generous donations of about 20,000 euros have been received from organizations such as the Tartu University Fund in Canada, Northern Birch Credit Union, the Estonian Relief Committee USA, the Estonia America Fund and the Rotalia Foundation. More is needed and all support, no matter how large or small, will be accepted with the gratitude and thanks of the University.
I am appealing to you once again, to provide your support to the Ukrainian students studying in Estonia. Please make your contribution in support of Ukrainian refugee students studying at the University of Tartu.
Donations in Canada can be made through the University of Tartu Fund by e-transfer to tartuulikoolifond@gmail.com or cheque to University of Tartu Fund, c/o 42 Humbercrest Blvd., Toronto, ON, M6S 4K8.
Donations in the USA can be made through the Estonian American Fund with cheques payable to Estonian American Fund, P.O. Box 2464, Rockville, MD 20852-9998
Tax receipts will be provided.
Thank you all so very much for your support! It is so very necessary and so very much appreciated!
Peeter Einola
Canadian Representative
University of Tartu Foundation
