The President of the Republic congratulated mothers
11.05.2003
President Arnold Rüütel today at the Concert Hall Estonia greeted the mothers of Estonia on the occasion of Mother's Day.
The President said in his address to the mothers: "No child should grow up without a safe and loving home. And just the same, thinking of how our posterity will maintain their lives, there are no alternatives to healthy ways of life and to the stance that each child should be given education corresponding with his abilities. Without the support of whole society to the families with children, be it in the form of tailored tax benefits or housing programmes, it is inconceivable to safeguard our nation's future."
The Head of State expressed delight that the coalition agreement gave clear preference to children and education, and that the memorandum of national agreement had set similar priorities. Wishing politicians great strength to achieve their goals, President Rüütel at the same time regretted that the mothers' voice too rarely was to be heard in the discussion about Estonias future. As a positive example, the Head of State highlighted the initiative "For Estonian Children" initiated by four Estonian mothers calling for more care for the children already born.
The President and Mrs Ingrid Rüütel today host an afternoon coffee party for mothers of large families. A group photograph will be taken of the meeting participants.
vpk.ee
