Age group
Grades 7–12
Duration
1.5 hours
Group size
10-25 pupils
Languages
Estonian, Russian
Price
10 € / pupil
History programme “August 1991. Defending freedom”
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
The aim of the programme is to show pupils the role of Tallinn TV Tower in the restoration of Estonian independence. After the programme a pupil knows the history of the TV Tower and how it is connected with the regaining of independence.
During the programme the pupils are divided into five groups, and each group is given a year connected with the restoration of Estonian independence (1987 to 1991). Along with the year the pupils receive materials: gap texts, photographs and key people with texts about them. Working through the materials, the pupils find the answers to what, how, why, when, who and where.
The most important events and people and their role in the restoration of independence become clear. By the end of the programme the pupils have worked through the restoration of Estonian independence and know how the state was rebuilt.
What makes the programme unique is that it takes place in a key site that was genuinely defended in August 1991. The TV Tower is an authentic location, not merely an illustration of events, and here the link between communications technology and political freedom becomes physically tangible.
LINKS TO THE CURRICULUM AND THE EXHIBITIONS
The programme supports these curriculum topics
History: the Singing Revolution, the phosphorite protests, the Baltic Way, the August coup and the restoration of independence
Social studies: the state, sovereignty, democracy, active citizenship, freedom of the media and strategic infrastructure
Estonian language: finding information and presenting the results of group work
Cross-curricular themes: civic initiative, cultural identity, values, the information environment, technology and innovation
Exhibitions at the TV Tower that go well with the programme
HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS 2026/2027
Browse the handbook
All the descriptions of the educational programmes, their links to the curricula and references to the exhibitions that enrich them are gathered in one book.
PROGRAMMES

