'I can't imagine why the SOS mothers suggested I should be the much-lauded one,' the boy says. 'Maybe they think this way because I'm one of the few from the village who regularly takes part in various Science Olympiads.' That's right!
'Since grade seven I have been participating in Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics and Biology Olympiads,' the gangling youngster tells. 'There's no other explanation than that I simply understand those sciences; I have understood them from the beginning.'
He is the only one participating in Science Olympiads from his class and besides simply understanding the topics, he also full of praise for his teachers. 'I have always been on the podium in school Olympiads and in the first ten in regional Olympiads. I feel I'm especially strong in chemistry; I'm also quite good in other subjects.'
'I like maths and chemistry; both subjects have quite a lot in common. At the moment we are learning about the qualities of metals and calculate reactions, for example,' he explains.
Future plans
According to Valle, you need broaden your mind in geography and biology; he mentions that it's difficult to judge how broad his' is, but apparently it's broad enough. 'I never prepare in a special way for the Olympics,' he says.
That's because all the subjects he likes are logical. 'All of them are logical and I am also logical. When you know in advance what's going to happen in life - that's much better.'
Comparing himself to others is most important to Valle when it comes to the Olympics. 'That is when I see where I am comparing myself to my competitors. I would like to reach the final round of the nation-wide Olympiad at least once; chemistry seems to be the safest bet.'
The boys future will probably also be connected to the subjects he is talking about. 'I'm thinking of becoming an engineer or maybe a biologist. Genetic engineering is a very interesting area; I believe that going to university is a must.'
Proud mother
Valle's SOS mother Maie has nothing else but praise for him. 'He is a good kid without any problems in school, and he helps others with learning, too. When I need help, I can count on him. I'm proud of him.'
According to his SOS mother, Valle is helpful, even too helpful at times. The latest incident of helping his SOS family ended him up in the emergency room: Valle helped lift tables and one of the tables fell on his leg, breaking a toe. 'The others were astonished to see that he didn't seem to suffer from pain and, when asked about this, he confirmed that it hurt, but with a smile on his face!'
His SOS mother counts his virtues; he is interested in computers and sports, started learning to play the guitar and can do whatever is needed - his sister taught him how to knit and he made himself a hat and a scarf; he can sew as well. 'I'm so proud of him,' she repeats, admitting that maybe there is just one drawback to this.
'Maybe he could be less modest - he could be in the limelight, where he deserves to be,' she says.
Not special
Valle repels the idea that he is somehow special or talented. 'I don't do anything special. I'm not special - I just do homework and that's all. Normally, I grasp everything at school immediately, so I don't learn for the tests.'
'My knowledge comes from books - although I'm not a great reader - or I have just heard from it somewhere,' says the boy who hopes to graduate from university with higher degree in 10 years.
'Maybe I'm not particularly talented, but I'm still a role model? Maybe you could say that. Many have said that I'm smarter than they are, but I think this is simply a matter of pulling yourself together. I have done that and I find the goals were easily accomplished.'
Ten years at the village
'Pulling himself together' did not just fall in place without any help though - his SOS family and the village have helped him there. 'I have been at the village for ten years. At the moment I'm a bit sad in the face of leaving the village for the youth facility in the summer, but it is ok, I'm not devastated and I can always visit the village. I'm not afraid. I have been there and I look forward to more independence and freedom there.'
'I think that the village has helped me gain the knowledge I have - if I had stayed where I was born, I would be without any proper education. I am happy at the village, I have everything I want and need.'
What is it that he needs?
'I prefer spiritual support over materialistic things. I'm happy that my home has been supporting and encouraging me in any possible way.'
'Left handed - maybe it's a sign of uniqueness, but maybe it's just the fact that there less left-handed people so they stick out from the crowd.'
Short days
Apart from helping others learn and learning himself, Valle is a sporty boy. He has played basketball and is skiing just for fun; he is skating on the skateboard and on the roller skates, which he got from the First Lady of Estonia for his good results at school.
'Unfortunately, Estonian winter days are short - if I have seven classes at school I come home at half-past four, then I study a little bit - and it's already dark. Daily routine has formed and I like that.'
'I'm very different from my biological sister - I am calmer and not so talkative, I'm more of a listener. Maybe that's why I quickly grasp everything at school. Sounds logical, doesn't it?'