President Lennart Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri received the best university and college graduates from all over Estonia at the Kadriorg Art Museum this morning. The President of the Republic spoke to the best fifty graduates about the importance of character in the shaping of their future life. Kaido Ruul, a graduate from Tallinn Technical University, delivered the counter-address on behalf of the graduates.

In the afternoon, President Meri and Mrs. Helle Meri received 148 best graduates from secondary schools and vocational training schools from all the counties of Estonia. In his speech, President Meri stressed the importance of studying abroad: ''If possible, go to some foreign university for at least one year,'' the President recommended. In his speech, the President of the Republic invited the Government and the banks to create a foundation to support young Estonians' studies abroad. Such foundation would enable Estonia to educate the experts that Estonia needs. In return, the grantees would agree to assume posts that are necessary for the Estonian state and the Estonian society.

Also the Minister of Education Tõnis Lukas spoke to the best graduates, and the counter-speech on behalf of the students was made by Madis Pärn from the Kuressaare Secondary School. Also Prime Minister Mart Laar participated in the meeting with the best high school graduates.

The Minister of Education Tõnis Lukas handed over a medal for remembrance to all the graduates of universities, colleges, secondary schools and vocational training schools.

The Viru County Youth Orchestra performed on both receptions.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, June 19, 2001

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