Ivo Linna performs at Astangu school graduation

Estonian music legend Ivo Linna, affectionately known as "Iff," performed at the graduation ceremony of the Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Center, adding a touch of musical flair to the significant occasion.

Linna sang his classic songs with the center's Ukulele ensemble, an event captured on film by Juku-Kalle Raid. The center's director, Kert Valdaru, expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations with Linna, highlighting the positive impact of such partnerships.

Astangu Vocational Rehabilitation Center specializes in providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students with greater needs, including those with mental health disorders, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral issues, and intellectual disabilities. The center emphasizes a personalized approach, adapted to the Estonian context, to help students transition after completing basic education.

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For some, the next step means new studies at a higher level, for some, it means working life, for some, supported services, and for some, time and support to clarify their direction.

Director Kert Valdaru and communications manager Ave Aun emphasized that the center aims to help each graduate move forward independently at their own pace. "For some, the next step means new studies at a higher level, for some, it means working life, for some, supported services, and for some, time and support to clarify their direction," they stated.

This year, 78 students from 11 different vocational groups, including assistant cooks, bakers, trade assistants, wood processors, IT junior specialists, and vocational selection program students, graduated. Valdaru stressed that the most important aspect is the people behind the numbers – those who studied, practiced, sought help, and persevered. The graduates' next steps are diverse, with some pursuing further education, others entering the workforce with existing job offers, and some taking time to plan their futures, all supported by the center's specialists.

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The most important thing is not the number. The most important are the people behind this number. Those who studied, practiced, tried again, asked for help, dared and sometimes got tired, but still moved forward.