Father, Woman of the Year Titles Handed Out
At a Father's Day concert this weekend, the Estonian Women's Association awarded Aldo Kals the title of Father of the Year.
Kals holds a doctorate in philosophy and is happily married with children. At a young age, Kals went blind and has for years written books for the vision-impaired, reported ETV.
"The role of the father has gained a higher profile in our society. There were times when we celebrated only Mother's Day and it was as though fathers didn't exist. So it is a reflection on our new era that we celebrate in a proper and respectable way," Kals said.
His son, surgeon Jaak Kals, who received a Young Scientist Award from the Estonian president last year, said: "He has a special and phenomenal tenacity and desire to work, to break through in life. And all that in addition to building a strong family, educating his children and supporting all of that. It is admirable and we are really happy about it," he said.
The Estonian Women's Association has been giving out the Father of the Year title since 1998.
More awards
Also this weekend, the University of Tartu Narva College director Katri Raik was named Woman of the Year.
The college has been an important project for advancing the development of Narva, reported ETV.
Raik said her next goal is to promote Narva as a tourist destination to Russians.
"Around 300,000 tourists visit Ida-Viru County annually and I think it is quite possible that in a few years that number could be 1 million. Developing the tourism sector in Narva [...] may be my next assignment," Raik said.
The award is handed out by the Estonian Association of Business and Professional Women.
Additionally, the organization gives out the Young Businesswoman of the Year Award, which this year went to the founder and head of the Entrum youth program, Darja Saar.
Saar said she also thinks that the potential of Ida-Viru County has not been utilized.
"I am 33 years old and I dare say people my age really want to contribute to the development of Ida-Viru and hope that the region will do well," she said.
Katri Raik (Photo: ERR)