Helsinki Estonian Academic Club

The Club’s members at the Estonian Independence Day reception at the embassy of Estonia, February 2025.
Photo: Kristi Leht

The Helsinki Estonian Academic Club (Helsingi Eesti Akadeemiline Klubi) is founded in 2006. It brings together Estonians with academic interests who live in the Helsinki area.

The main goal of the club is to provide its members with opportunities for enriching interaction and exchange with one another.

The club also seeks to support the integration of Estonians into Finnish society and to foster closer ties between the two countries, within the scope of its capabilities. We consider it important to encourage the exchange of good ideas and new concepts across the Gulf of Finland. For example, we have organized panel discussions about Estonian-Finnish relations and future cooperation. We also have had the honor of meeting the presidents of both Finland and Estonia.

We also seek to promote Estonian science, economy, culture, and traditions in Finland. For instance, we have translated Enn Soosaar’s book Nuripidine aastasada (“The Contradictory Century”) into Finnish and have supported Estonian-language education at Helsinki’s Latokartano School in various ways.

About the Club’s Activities

The Helsinki Estonian Academic Club gathers once a month, meeting organizations, companies, or individuals who are in some way connected to Estonia.

We organize meetings with scientific, economic, and cultural content, information days, excursions, and festive events to celebrate Estonian national holidays. Over time, Estonia’s Independence Day celebration, the crayfish party, and the Christmas gathering have become established traditions of the club.

Additionally, we carry out charity and sponsorship projects that align with the club’s goals. For example, we contributed to acquiring an “Estonia” grand piano for the Estonian Embassy in Helsinki. We have also procured Estonian-language children’s books for Helsinki’s Latokartano School, supported an essay competition, and funded the printing of brochures introducing opportunities for Estonian children to learn Estonian in Finland.

The club has about 30 active members. Our members work as specialists and leaders across a variety of fields, including finance and banking, science and education, entrepreneurship, culture and medicine.

Membership in the club is by invitation. Further information can be obtained from the club’s board.

HEAKlubi delegatsiooni kohtumine president Alar Karisega Kadriorus 21.5.2024.
Club’s delegation’s meeting with President Alar Karis at Kadriorg on 21st of May in 2024.

The Board of Helsinki Estonian Academic Club 2025/2026

  • Raigo Megerild (president of the club)
  • Henri Malvet
  • Jaan Praks
  • Marja Tuhkanen
  • Helin Vesala
  • Valdar Liive
  • Sten-Erik Tammemäe
  • Kalle Pedak

Contact: info@heaklubi.fi

Eesti saatkonna vabariigi aastapäeva vastuvõtt Eesti saatkonnas 14.2.2024. Kohal viibis ka president Alar Karis. Pildil HEAKlubi liikmed.
Reception for Estonia’s Independence Day at the embassy of Estonia on 14.2.2024. President Alar Karis attended the reception.
The Helsinki Estonian Academic Club met Estonian president Arnold Rüütel at Kadriorg castle in September 2013.
The Helsinki Estonian Academic Club met Estonian president Arnold Rüütel at Kadriorg castle in September 2013.
Klubi asutamiskoosolek Suurel Kolmapäeval 26.04.2006. Pildil seisavad vasakult Jüri Teemant, Kalle Pedak, Rego Ostonen, istumas (vasakult) Henri Malvet, Toomas Abner, Gunnar Okk ja Andres Käär.
The founding meeting of the Helsinki Estonian Academic Club on 26th of April in 2006. In the photo from the left (standing): Jüri Teemant, Kalle Pedak, Rego Ostonen; seated (from the left): Henri Malvet, Toomas Abner, Gunnar Okk, and Andres Käär.
HEAKlubi kohtumine president Mauno Koivistoga 19.08.2013 Eesti saatkonnas Helsingis.
The Club’s meeting with President Mauno Koivisto on 19th of August in 2013 at the embassy of Estonia in Helsinki.
Vähipidu Villa Pentrys augustis 2022.
Crayfish party at Villa Pentry in August 2022.
The Club’s donations helped acquire an Estonia grand piano for the embassy. Letter of thanks from the embassy to the Helsinki Estonian Academic Club and other donors.
The Club’s donations helped acquire an Estonia grand piano for the embassy. Letter of thanks from the embassy to the Helsinki Estonian Academic Club and other donors.
Klubi väljasõit Stockholmi aastal 2011. Programmis mm. Stockholmi Eesti Maja külastamine.
Club excursion to Stockholm in 2011. The programme included a visit to the Stockholm Estonian House.
Koostöölepingu sõlmimine Tuglas Seuraga jaanuaris 2011. Vasakul Tuglase Seltsi juht Juhani Salokannel, paremal klubi president Indrek Tammeaid.
Signing the cooperation agreement with the Tuglas Society in January 2011. From left to right: the head of Tuglas Society Juhani Salokannel and club’s president Indrek Tammeaid.
Klubi kohtumine president Tarja Haloneniga Eesti saatkonnas 03.12.2014.
Club meeting with President Tarja Halonen at the embassy of Estonia in December 2014.
Meeting writer Sofi Oksanen at the embassy of Estonia in September 2012. Gunnar Okk handing over Enn Soosaar’s book on behalf of the Club.
Meeting writer Sofi Oksanen at the embassy of Estonia in September 2012. Gunnar Okk handing over Enn Soosaar’s book on behalf of the Club.
Club visits opera in 2020.
Club visits opera in 2020.
Heaklubi 15 juubeliseminar Eesti suursaatkonnas oktoobris 2021.
The Club’s 15th anniversary seminar at the Estonian Embassy in October 2021.