At the beginning of 2026, new programmes will be launched in three regions of Estonia with the aim of introducing participants to Estonian cultural and customs and increasing opportunities for people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds to participate in society.
The programmes will be implemented in Ida-Viru County, Tartu and Pärnu. In each region, new groups will be opened on a quarterly basis. All adults residing in Estonia on a legal basis and whose native language is not Estonian can participate in the activities.
The programmes include workshops, discussions and meetings focusing on cultural meetings (20 academic hours), as well as five study visits. Study trips include excursions, visits to cultural events and other educational trips. Activities take place on weekday evenings or at weekends in order to ensure broader participation.
All activities are conducted in Estonian. Each group will also include Estonian-speaking volunteers, giving participants the opportunity to practise the language, make new contacts and become more involved in everyday life in Estonia.
You can register for action programmes via the self-service portal of the Integration Foundation at https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/login
Practical programmes in Ida-Viru County, Tartu and Pärnu
The programmes are run by Targa Eesti Instituut OÜ. One workshop lasts 5 academic hours and one study visit lasts 2 academic hours. The programmes include visits to cultural institutions, excursions and educational trips across Estonia.
In Ida-Viru County, two groups will be launched. The programme is implemented in cooperation with the Narva Museum, the Virumaa Museum and Rakvere Castle.
In Tartu, partners include the Palamuse Oskar Luts Museum, TYPA, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum and the Estonian National Museum.
In Pärnu, activities are carried out in cooperation with the Pärnu Museum (Pärnu Museum, Lydia Koidula Museum and the Red Tower).
The activities have been co-financed by the Swiss Confederation to reduce economic and social disparities in the European Union. The Swiss-Estonian cooperation programme supports activities that help people of different nationalities and linguistic backgrounds to better integrate into Estonian society. The programme aims to foster a feeling of unity and provide opportunities for participating in cultural and educational activities. Support is provided, for example, for learning Estonian, getting to know Estonian culture, developing digital services and volunteering, and events that bring together people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The activities of the programme help participants to better understand life in Estonia and find their place in society. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the Integration Foundation and other partners.