Book review, Education and Science, Estonia, History

This year, Estonian Ministry of Defense sent to schools, as a Christmas present, a book by Peter Englund "The Beauty and the Sorrow: An Intimate History of the First World War", which described the experiences, thoughts and actions of those who participated in the First World War.

Estonian Minister of Defense Urmas Reinsalu recognized schools where national defense is taught and studied as an elective subject, which helps students to become an informed citizen who respects their country and people.

"I thank school heads and national defense education teachers who have considered it necessary to teach the subject of national defense, and I also thank students who have opted for the subject of national defense and dedicated their time and strength to studying it," said the Minister of Defense in a cover letter accompanying this book.

This is the third year in which the Ministry of Defense has sent a military history book as a gift to schools teaching the subject of national defense – in order to support the expansion of horizon for students – so that the students studying the subject of national defense as well as other interested parties could familiarize themselves with such literature at the school's library.

During previous years, schools received a book by Norman Davies "Europe at War 1939-1945: No Simple Victory" and a book by Marek Nisuma "Estonian Border Defense Regiments and Police Battalions at Narva Front in 1944", and the film “December Heat” (Detsembrikuumus).

The subject of national defense is included in the list of elective subjects in the national curriculum for upper secondary schools. This academic year, the subject of national defense is being taught at 131 upper secondary schools and at 14 vocational schools. The Minister of Defense supports schools in finding national defense education teachers and procuring textbooks, teaching aids, shooting simulators. Estonian Ministry of Defense also helps to organize the necessary study camps and excursions.