Tralla warns extracurricular cuts could prove costly for Estonia

Television host Johannes Tralla says cuts to extracurricular education could have far-reaching costs for society, as he launches a four-part ETV series on education policy. ERR reported that the series, “The Most Expensive Saving?”, is based on Estonia’s 2026 Human Development Report.

The report examines education policy and its wider effects on society, including health care and the economy. The series will visit settings described in the report, including a physics class, a skateboarding course and football training.

Tralla said extracurricular activities play a greater role in young people’s identity and ability to make an effort than is often recognised. Children do not attend football practice only in the hope of becoming professional players, he said; they also gain life skills. He added that research links children’s learning outcomes to whether they have an outlet after school.

State support for extracurricular education has been significantly reduced in recent years, Tralla said. He warned that the resulting savings could prove costly for society, with the effects eventually reaching health care and court proceedings.

The series will also feature private tutors and education figures Marju Lauristin and Jaak Aaviksoo. Tralla said one in four parents hires a private tutor for their child, and that he has done so for his own son.

“The Most Expensive Saving?” will air on ETV on Mondays in October at 8 p.m.