Introduction
Kolde Lasteaed is a kindergarten located in Tallinn, Estonia, offering a supportive and modern learning environment for young children. The kindergarten focuses on children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development through a combination of play, daily routines, and structured educational activities.
The mission of the kindergarten is to support parents in raising and developing their children, taking into account each child’s individual needs and abilities. The goal is to help children grow into joyful, open-minded, creative, independent, and capable learners.
Kolde Lasteaed aims to be a safe and contemporary educational environment where children, parents, and staff enjoy working and growing together. The kindergarten is built on strong core values such as care, safety, cooperation, and trust, which guide everyday interactions and activities.
The aim of hosting a volunteer is to introduce children to different cultures and ways of life around the world in a simple and engaging way. Through daily interaction, songs, games, and creative activities, children become more open-minded and curious about diversity.
The volunteer will be part of the kindergarten team and support teachers in their daily work, contributing to a warm, playful, and inclusive environment for children.
Proposed Activities
The volunteer will support the daily activities of the kindergarten together with teachers and staff. Tasks include:
- Assisting teachers in lessons and playtime activities with children
- Helping prepare materials for educational and creative activities
- Supporting music and physical education lessons
- Leading simple games, songs, or creative activities from their own culture
- Assisting in organising events, celebrations, and exhibitions
- Participating in excursions, trips, and kindergarten events
- Supporting children in daily routines (e.g. dressing, meals, tidying up)
- Taking part in teamwork and contributing ideas for activities
The volunteer will always work under the guidance of teachers and can gradually take initiative in leading activities.
Volunteer Profile
We are looking for a volunteer who:
- Is motivated to work with young children and shows patience
- Is friendly, open-minded, and positive
- Has basic English communication skills
- Is willing to participate actively in daily kindergarten life
- Is interested in cultural exchange and sharing their background
- Is creative or has artistic skills (an advantage but not required)
No previous experience is required, but a caring attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
Learning Outcomes
During the project, the volunteer will:
- Learn basic Estonian language and improve communication skills
- Gain practical experience working with children and educational staff
- Develop understanding of early childhood education and daily routines
- Increase intercultural awareness and knowledge of Estonian culture, traditions, and customs
- Strengthen social, organisational, and teamwork skills
- Build confidence in working in an international and educational environment
Impact
The volunteer will contribute to creating a diverse and engaging learning environment by introducing children to new cultures, languages, and traditions through everyday activities, games, and creative sessions.
Their presence will support teachers in daily work and bring new ideas and energy into the kindergarten. Children and staff will benefit from intercultural exchange, increased openness, and opportunities to practice foreign languages.
The volunteer will help strengthen the sense of curiosity, tolerance, and understanding among children, while also contributing to a positive and supportive atmosphere in the kindergarten.
Application
To apply, fill in the application form in the left column and send it to evs@estyes.ee
NB! We are flexible regarding the project dates which means we can change the service dates to some extent according to the needs of the volunteer.
The project is supported by the Estonian Agency for Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps from the Erasmus+ program.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
