Ukraine Benefit Concert Raises Nearly €700,000
A benefit concert for the people of Ukraine which took place in Tallinn on March 16 has raised over €690,000. The “Slava Ukraini” (“Glory to Ukraine”) concert more than doubled its target in funds raised, organizers said. Johanna-Maria Lehtme, head of the NGO Slava Ukraini, said that the money raised would cover over 20 equipped ambulances. “For the amount of funds donated, we can not only procure the necessary ambulances, but also pack very specific medical care kits inside; bandages and gloves, and things we have been asked for from day one,” Lehtme said. The ambulances will be sent directly to the conflict zones. (Pg 1)
Dawn to Dusk Reading Marathon at Presidential Palace
On March 14, Native Language or “Mother Tongue” Day in Estonia, an all-day reading marathon took place in front of the Office of the President in Tallinn. President Alar Karis kicked off the marathon at sunrise at 6:41, and more than 70 people took turns reading their chosen texts through sunset at 18:21 aka 6:21 p.m. Most of those reading aloud were well-known members of society, including authors, actors, musicians, artists and athletes. The President’s cultural advisor Rasmus Puur explained that each reader chose texts that are personally significant to them to read in ten-minute shifts in order to draw attention to how beautiful and mighty the “Estonian-language world” is. (Pg 4)
Radio Station’s E-Dictation Receives Close to 9000 Entries
Vikerraadio’s annual Native Language Day digital dictation, held for the 15th time, received 8,942 entries via their webpage this year. Only 13 entries received were completely correct, while those with one or two errors were numerous. Speed, as well as accuracy, are of the essence, and prizes are awarded in the following categories: adults, students, philologists, non-native Estonian speakers and Estonians living abroad. Participants in the 20-25 age group were most numerous, while the oldest participant was 90. Students at 278 schools participated, while the great number of elderly people attempting the dictation with pencil and paper at home will never be known. The text of the dictation and more common errors can be seen here: https://etteytlus.err.ee/tulemused/ (Pg 4)
