Field trips are very important for Estonian education. The solution is not to exclude them from the educational process. The solution is to find funds that do not depend on parents. The state and local governments must find this money.
Minister Kallas says that the guidelines need to be clarified. Explanations will be added on how educational activities can be funded through donations. The guide will also include examples to help schools understand better.
Schools cannot assume that parents will pay for educational activities. If the activity is part of the curriculum, parents are not allowed to pay for it. If the activity enriches the curriculum and is not compulsory, it can be done through donations and with parental support. This must be voluntary.
There is currently confusion about when donations are allowed. The issue is not whether the activity takes place on a school day, but whether it is compulsory.
According to the law, parents must provide the necessary conditions for their child's education. The question is what those conditions are. Are skis necessary, or are notebooks and a school bag sufficient? The minister says that the school must provide the necessary equipment if the parent cannot afford it.
The ministry allocated funds to schools last year for physical education classes. Hopefully, schools will use this money to purchase ski equipment or balls for games.
More than 400 institutions have sent an appeal to the minister. They warn that the reduction in field trips could be detrimental to students. They want clear guidelines from the minister on organizing field trips.