käsitöökoolid

Käsitöökoolid, or craft schools, are educational institutions in Estonia dedicated to the teaching and preservation of traditional crafts and applied arts. These schools offer vocational training and specialized courses in various disciplines, ranging from textile arts like weaving, embroidery, and felting, to woodworking, pottery, blacksmithing, and leatherwork. The curriculum often combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training, emphasizing hands-on experience and the development of technical skills.

The primary goal of käsitöökoolid is to ensure that traditional craft skills are passed down to new generations, thereby safeguarding Estonia's cultural heritage. They play a vital role in vocational education, providing students with pathways to careers as artisans, craftspeople, designers, and educators. Graduates often find employment in workshops, design studios, cultural heritage institutions, or may establish their own businesses.

Admission to these schools typically requires a basic education, and the programs can vary in length from short workshops to multi-year vocational courses. Many käsitöökoolid also engage in research and development, exploring new applications for traditional techniques and materials. They often collaborate with museums, cultural organizations, and the wider community to promote Estonian crafts through exhibitions, festivals, and public events. The emphasis is on both maintaining historical accuracy and fostering contemporary innovation within the craft disciplines.