A Gift Across Generations: Ella Scott Honored for Preserving Estonian Heritage in Australia
SYDNEY – In the heart of the Australian summer, amidst the singing and traditions of the Sõrve Summer Camp, a second-generation Estonian-Australian stood speechless. Ella Scott had just been presented with a formal letter of thanks from Estonia’s Minister of Education and Research, Kristina Kallas.
The award, presented by the Estonian Ambassador to Australia, Jaan Reinhold, recognized Ella’s lifelong dedication to preserving the Estonian language and introducing her cultural heritage to the next generation. But for Ella, the most moving part of the ceremony wasn't her own name on the paper—it was the Ambassador’s mention of her parents.
"I was so touched by the award and Jaan’s mention of my parents that I was too teary to speak in the moment," Ella shared. "I didn’t get to say my own public thank you to them then, so I want to do it now."
The "Invisible" Work of Diaspora Parents
Ella’s story is a powerful testament to the "invisible" effort required to keep a culture alive thousands of miles from its source. Born and raised in Sydney, Ella’s connection to Estonia began with her mother’s side of the family.
While many children of the diaspora drift away from their roots, Ella’s parents made sure her heritage felt like a gift rather than a chore. Her mother spoke to her in Estonian from day one, reading and singing to her every night.
In a time before the internet made resources easy to find, her mother’s creativity knew no bounds. She even translated the "Bananas in Pyjamas" theme song (among other favourites) into Estonian and hand-made worksheets to teach Ella how to write.
"The effort she put into encouraging me to learn Estonian is incredible," Ella says. "I will be forever grateful—suur aitäh sulle, ema."
A Family Effort
The support wasn't one-sided. Ella’s father became a pillar of her cultural education, despite not being a native speaker himself. He spent countless hours in the car listening to Estonian children’s songs, patiently watched Estonian DVDs he couldn't fully understand, and has been an active fixture in the Sydney Estonian House since before Ella was born.
From saving money for trips to Estonia every two years to supporting Ella during her exchange year in Estonia in 2019, her parents ensured that being Estonian was a core part of her identity.
Passing the Torch at Sõrve
Today, Ella is a vital leader at the Sõrve Summer Camp, where she translates her parents' hard work into inspiration for others. She sees it as both a pleasure and a privilege to share the "joy" of her heritage with young Estonian-Australians.
"They have instilled in me that being connected to my Estonian heritage and speaking Estonian is something to be proud of," she notes.
As Ella Scott stands recognized by the Estonian government, her story serves as a reminder to the entire global Estonian community: a culture survives not just through history books, but through the songs sung at bedtime and the parents who refuse to let a language go silent.
