On 20 August, the Integration Foundation will organise a Community Picnic in Narva to mark Estonia’s Restoration of Independence Day. The event will begin with a discussion programme, Community Voice. Experts from various fields and local residents will gather in Rugodiv Park to discuss issues that matter to Ida-Viru County together with the audience.
The Community Voice discussion programme begins at 12:00 noon in Rugodiv Park, where participants can explore three themed discussion areas: the Community Zone, the Youth Zone, and the Wellbeing and Creativity Zone. Throughout the day, visitors can take part in six discussions across the three themed zones. Each discussion lasts 90 minutes, with the final 15–20 minutes dedicated to questions from the audience.
“The idea behind Community Voice is to talk with people, not about people. The future of Ida-Viru County cannot be shaped behind closed doors. That is why we give the floor to the audience in every discussion, allowing people to ask questions, share their experiences and add to the conversation,” said Jevgeni Timoštšuk, Project Manager for Community Activities in Ida-Viru County at the Integration Foundation. He added that the aim of the event is to create a space where different perspectives can be shared openly and honestly. “Restoration of Independence Day is a good moment to reflect together on the kind of region we want to live in in the future, what brings us together, and which issues require more attention.”
In the Community Zone, discussions will focus on the future of Narva and the relationship between local authorities and residents. In the Wellbeing and Creativity Zone, the focus will be on mental health and the question of whether Ida-Viru County is united by one shared story or by several different ones. In the Youth Zone, discussions will focus on the opportunities available to young people in Ida-Viru County and on how adults can better listen to and engage with young people. The discussions will be facilitated by different moderators.
“A community is built by people who are willing to listen to one another and share responsibility. The more we talk to each other, the less room there is for prejudice, and the more trust and new opportunities for cooperation we create,” said Mario Polshin, moderator of the Youth Zone discussion and Project Manager at MTÜ Noortealgatuste Tugi.
In addition, visitors can enjoy a variety of workshops and masterclasses in Rugodiv Park, activities organised by the Police and Border Guard Board, the Rescue Board, and Narva Hospital, as well as attractions for children. The discussion programme will conclude with a summary at 4:00 PM. The exact discussion schedule can be found on the Integration Foundation’s website integratsioon.ee/kogukonnapiknik.
The Community Picnic will continue at Narva Joaorg, where a large community sing-along will begin at 5:00 PM. Choirs from across Ida-Viru County will take the stage at the Song Picnic, and the evening will conclude with a performance by the beloved Anne Veski. Kogukonnapiknik (Community Picnic) is free for everyone. The organisers invite people to come with their families, friends, neighbours, or colleagues. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and basket to the evening programme and dress according to the weather.
The event takes place within the framework of the European Social Fund project “Support for
Community Activities Promoting Integration” (No. 2021–2027.4.07.24-0017).
