Kristjan Korsten: what to do with the municipal government, which is not in favor of its own?

Photo: Malle-Liisa Raigla

Most Estonians probably know by now that something is rotten in Lääneranna municipality. Like a match in a dark room, you have to look for those who do not see the rot in this area. They are hard to find.

Metsküla primary school is a different, special school. There is a special spirit that has been experienced by everyone who has been there: for example, Kristiina Ehin, who went there recently, and President Karis, who went there in November. Children are not graded in Metsküla. Instead of grades, children receive praise and guidance. Pure hippy stuff, right?! Surely this won’t work? It works. Metsküla is the best primary school in Lääneranna municipality in terms of academic results.

Metsküla primary school is a magnet. All phenomena in which there is a particularly good spirit are magnets. Whole families have moved to Lääneranna municipality because of this school: to send their children to this school with a special spirit, which provides good education and good mental health. This school has been financially supported with more than 150,000 euros in the last year. It has been supported by people from all over Estonia who see it as something special that must not be destroyed. A small rural school. A small country school with a modern twist. A small country school that teaches the way many people think children should be taught.

The Lääneranta municipal authority does not see anything special there. The mayor Ingvar Saare (Isamaa) constantly repeats that the task of the local government is to ensure a school place for all children. It makes no difference to him whether the school is in a small school in Metsküla or a large school in Lihula. It is important for him that there is a place somewhere. Many parents don’t see it that way. Especially not those who have moved to Lääneranna municipality because of the small school in Metsküla. The municipal government does not understand them.