Summer Esperanto Study facts for kids
The Summer Esperanto Study (called Somera Esperanto-Studado or SES in Esperanto) is the biggest yearly event for learning Esperanto. It happens every summer since 2007 and lasts for about a week. Many people, up to 250 from 30 different countries, come to learn or practice the language. It's great for both new learners and those who already speak Esperanto well. The event is put together by an organization called E@I. It usually takes place in Slovakia, but in 2014, it also happened in Russia. The Slovak government and local leaders have supported it many times. When it first started, it was called the Slavic Esperanto Study (Slava Esperanto-Studado) and focused on a smaller group.
What Happens at SES?
The main goal of SES is to help people learn Esperanto. Every morning, for three hours, there are Esperanto classes. These classes are for five different levels, from total beginners to very advanced speakers.
In the afternoons, there are fun activities like:
- Lectures where you can learn new things.
- Workshops where you can try out new skills.
- Games to play with other participants.
Evenings are for entertainment! You can enjoy concerts by artists like Kim Henriksen, JoMo, and La Perdita Generacio. There's also a social area to relax and chat. During the week, there are also trips to see interesting places nearby. Famous Esperanto teachers, like Bertilo Wennergren, help lead the classes.
A Look Back: SES History
SES has been held in many different cities over the years. Here's a quick look at where and when it happened, and how many people joined:
| No. | Year | City | Country | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 2022 | Kroměříž |  Czechia |
Did not occur |
| 14 | 2020 | Internet event | — | |
| 13 | 2019 | Nitra |  Slovakia |
197 |
| 12 | 2018 | Liptovský Mikuláš | Slovakia |
258 |
| 11 | 2017 | Banská Štiavnica | Slovakia |
173 |
| 10 | 2015 | Martin | Slovakia |
190 |
| 9 | 2014 | Koltyshevo |  Russia |
87 |
| 8 | 2014 | Nitra | Slovakia |
248 |
| 7 | 2013 | Martin | Slovakia |
230 |
| 6 | 2012 | Nitra | Slovakia |
250 |
| 5 | 2011 | Nitra | Slovakia |
191 |
| 4 | 2010 | Piešťany | Slovakia |
190 |
| 3 | 2009 | Modra-Harmónia | Slovakia |
90 |
| 2 | 2008 | Modra-Harmónia | Slovakia |
105 |
| 1 | 2007 | Pribylina | Slovakia |
50 |
SES in 2014
In 2014, SES happened twice, which was a first! Both events received help from the World Esperanto Association and the World Esperanto Youth Organization.
The first and larger event took place from July 12 to July 20 in Nitra, Slovakia. Important people like the Slovak minister of education, the president of the Nitra Region, and the mayor of Nitra supported it. About 248 people from 28 countries attended. Besides the usual Esperanto lessons, this SES also offered a new course on Esperanto books and culture. Writers Jorge Camacho and Nicola Ruggiero led this special course.
Later that year, from August 17 to August 25, a second SES happened outside of Slovakia for the first time. It was in Koltyshevo, near Moscow, Russia. 87 people from 10 countries joined this event. It was organized together with the Moscow Esperanto Association and the Russian Esperantist Union. Along with Esperanto classes, this event also had a course on translation and a course to learn the Russian language.
SES in 2015
The tenth SES took place from August 11 to August 19 in Martin, Slovakia. It was supported by the Slovak minister of education, the president of the Žilina Region, and the mayor of Martin.
Images for kids
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Logo of SES
