SOL Baltics is participating for the first time in the Internship Program for Educational Leaders, which was launched in 2019 by the Good Deed’s Funds and the Tallinn Education Department in cooperation with Fontes. The aim of the program is to support the development of school and educational leaders by offering them the opportunity to learn leadership practices from large Estonian companies and apply the knowledge gained in their organizations.
As part of the Internship Program, SOL is hosting two interns this year: Marina Uleksina, Head of Tallinn Kanutiaia Hobby School, and Carmen Soo, Head of Tallinn Sipsik Kindergarten.
Internship at SOL Baltics
During the first weeks of the internship, educational leaders Marina and Carmen have received a thorough overview of SOL’s various units, daily work organization, work culture, management principles, and cooperation models. During the internship, they will be supported by SOL mentors and coordinators as well as Fontes consultants.
The aim of the interns is to gain new perspectives on team management, personnel development, organizational image and management decision-making in a rapidly changing environment.
SOL Baltics visits interns’ workplaces
As an important part of the internship program, SOL Baltics also visits the interns’ daily work environment.
Tallinn Kanutiaia Hobby School
As part of the internship period, SOL visited Tallinn Kanutiaia Hobby School, where we were welcomed by the school principal Marina Uleksina and her dedicated team.
Today, approximately 700 children study at Kanutiaia Hobby School, many of them in several hobby groups at once. The school has a total of 97 curricula, of which 54 are actively used. The most popular are various instrument lessons, but you can also learn dance, singing, painting, ceramics, sewing, design, theater and even motoring and drum lessons. All of this is available to children for a very affordable monthly fee.
The Kanutiaia Hobby School building has a long and distinguished history dating back to the late 19th century. Although the building has been awaiting renovation for many years, it remains full of life, creativity, and history.
Tallinn Sipsik Kindergarten
SOL also visited Tallinn Sipsik Kindergarten, where we were welcomed by the long-time head of the kindergarten, Carmen Soo. The story of Sipsik begins as early as 1957, but after the restoration of independence, the kindergarten was reopened in 2004. Today, approximately 130 children come to play and learn at Sipsik every day.
The kindergarten has several special features that give the building a unique identity – the Sipsik logo was drawn by Edgar Valter, the kindergarten has its own song and great emphasis is placed on environmental awareness and creativity. The building has several rooms with special meaning, including a room for making ceramics and a room designed for relaxation.
Mutual learning and collaboration
The Internship Program for Educational Leaders creates a valuable opportunity for mutual learning – educational leaders gain new knowledge from the business world and companies gain fresh perspectives from the field of education. SOL Baltics is pleased to contribute to the development of Estonian educational leaders and to be part of the program together with several other leading Estonian companies.
We wish Marina and Carmen an exciting and inspiring internship at SOL Baltics!