New project aimed at Belarusian students and civic activists approved by the MFA of Estonia

Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies will be offering training and Master’s degree studies opportunities for students and civil society activists from Belarus. The initiative is funded through the development cooperation scheme of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project focuses on providing educational opportunities and raising awareness about civic issues among the Belarusian youth, explained Ms Olga Bogdanova, Vice Director for Academic Affairs at the Skytte Institute. “We are very happy to strengthen our cooperation with partners from Belarus, and in doing so, we will be able to build on our previous cooperation with other universities from Eastern Partnership countries,” Bogdanova said.

The aim of the project is to raise awareness about the principles of democracy, good governance and rule of law of Belarusian students and civic activists and develop their practical skills relevant for future employment or civil society activities. To achieve this, participants from Belarus will be able to benefit from online courses, workshops, and site visits. The project will also support the MA studies of two students from Belarus at the Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies.

Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu said that this year, Estonia increased its support earmarked for projects in Belarus. “Belarus has been a priority country for Estonia’s development cooperation since 2011 and now more than ever it is our duty to support Belarus. In order to advocate democracy sustainably, we can share our reform experience and offer practical support, such as developing web-based studies in institutions of higher education to allow repressed students and teachers to take part in studies,” Reinsalu said.

Read more about funded projects on the website of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For more information, please contact Olga Bogdanova, Vice Director for Academic Affairs, UT Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies and Executive Director of CEURUS, olga.bogdanova@ut.ee, phone +372 737 6375.

Update about the events conducted in the framework of the project:


Forwarded by: Maili Vilson, Head of Communications, maili.vilson@ut.ee