For some years now, Estonian language classes have taken place across various centres in Australia, led by an enthusiastic group of committed teachers with strong local community support.
Previously, ECFA funded a three-day intensive workshop in Queensland for children’s playgroup coordinators across the country. This year, ECFA funded an Estonian Language Curriculum Development Workshop in Sydney, which involved teachers from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
Held at the end of April 2026, this workshop looked at how to extend language education for school-aged children and the potential for establishing Estonian Community Language Schools under the various State Education Departments across Australia.
Led by the Iti Connor from Queensland, the teachers held online discussions with representatives of Estonian language schools in North America, and reviewed community language school frameworks and requirements across Australian states.
Their aim is to strengthen alignment with Australian Curriculum requirements and explore available pathways, funding opportunities and implementation requirements for expanding the teaching of the Estonian language in Australia.
This important work will continue into the second half of 2026.
If you have a cultural initiative that could do with support, consider applying for a grant in our 2026-27 funding round:
Applications close on 30 June 2026.
You can also read more about Estonian language teaching on HEIA: https://eesti.org.au/2025/12/16/recognition-for-estonian-language-teachers-in-australia/
