The Integration Foundation invites residents of Maardu to participate in a series of educational and conversational events designed to help them learn and practice the Estonian language. Participants can improve their language skills, acquire new knowledge, and explore different learning formats.
Maardu as an important hub for language practice
Maardu was not chosen as the location for these regular meetings by chance. In the opinion of the foundation, the city could offer significantly more opportunities for practising Estonian.
‘There are relatively few opportunities to practice Estonian in Maardu. Therefore, we decided to build on our previous experience and start organising events at the Maardu community centre,’ said Valeria Siminko, coordinator of the Integration Foundation for Harju County.
The Integration Foundation offers several discussion and learning formats at the Maardu community centre: ‘Playful Language Learning’, ‘The Joys of Communication’ – Tuesdays at 2.00 p.m.
‘Communication Pantries’ and ‘Language Practice’, ‘Language Training in Maardu’ – Thursdays at 5.00 p.m.
Varied learning formats and direct interaction
The programmes of the Foundation are based on live interaction and active participation. Classes are led by specialists who are native Estonian speakers.
‘The most popular event is Playful Language Learning, held once a month on Sundays. Typically, two instructors guide up to 24 participants. At the beginning, people get to know each other, and the instructors provide an overview of the session. Depending on the topic, we use various forms of interaction – from group work and conversations in pairs to playful methods and pronunciation exercises,’ explained Valeria Siminõko.
Due to high demand, the Foundation has also added smaller group sessions for up to 12 participants. These are held weekly:
- Tuesdays at 2.00 p.m. – daytime group
- Thursdays at 5.00 p.m. – evening group
Intended participants
The programmes are open to all language learners, but they are especially beneficial for those who have already acquired a basic level of Estonian.
‘Language practice is, of course, most effective after completing a level A2 course. At the same time, people are different, and for many, it is important simply to be in a language environment – to listen, read, and, even if initially less active, still be a committed participant. Therefore, we welcome participants whose language skills start from level A2 and beyond,’ noted Siminõko.
The organisers emphasise that the sessions are also well-suited to those who wish to refresh their language skills after a longer break.
Language for everyday life and inner motivation
The experience of the Integration Foundation in Maardu shows that such events help people not only prepare for exams but also support their intrinsic motivation to use the language. Even after successfully passing language exams at levels A2–C1, many participants continue attending language and cultural events.
Valeria Siminõko referred to this as ‘the magic of success’: ‘After passing exams at levels A2–C1, people do not stop participating in language and culture events. Now, they use the language for themselves and for everyday life, which represents an entirely different level of motivation. We are especially happy when participants who have already passed their language exams join us – they can support those who are still hesitant to speak Estonian with their positive experience and confidence.’
Participation and registration
Participation in all of the events listed above is free of charge. The activities are funded by the Integration Foundation.
To take part:
- Choose a suitable event from the event calendar on the website integratsioon.ee and sign up.
- Keep in mind that a session will take place only if a sufficient number of participants register.
The coordinator of the Integration Foundation encourages people not to postpone learning: ‘Take advantage of the opportunities available to you – do not wait for the perfect moment, act here and now,’ Valeria Siminõko advised.