A record 957 volunteer mentors have joined the Integration Foundation’s Language Friends programme, Keelesõber. They include native speakers of Estonian as well as people with a very high level of proficiency, all ready to support language learners as conversation partners. This is the highest number of mentors registered at the start of the programme in its history.
“An exceptionally large number of mentors have joined Keelesõber this year, and they are willing to dedicate their time to supporting language learners for a three months. This is an extraordinarily generous and valuable contribution that helps Estonian be heard more often in everyday communication,” said Ave Landrat, Head of the Keelesõber programme. “It is a pleasure to see both familiar names and many new participants.”
The Keelesõber programme encourages language learners to speak Estonian and helps them overcome the fear of speaking. “As the number of places is limited, we invite language learners to register at the earliest opportunity,” Landrat added.
The programme is open to adult residents of Estonia who have reached level B1 or higher in Estonian and are able to communicate on everyday topics. Language friends meet once a week or more often for approximately three months, until 14 May, using a communication channel suitable for both participants, such as Zoom, MS Teams or by phone.
Language learners can join the Keelesõber programme via the Integration Foundation’s website from Monday, 9 February, at 7:00 a.m.: https://www.integratsioon.ee/en/language-friends/learners
The number of places available for language learners corresponds to the number of registered mentors.
The matching of language friends begins on Friend’s Day. Preferences indicated in the registration form regarding meeting format, timing, communication channel and interests will be taken into account. Participants are kindly asked to wait for further information from the organisers.
The Integration Foundation has been running the Keelesõber programme for the seventh year. At the start of the previous season, 943 mentors were registered, and over the past six seasons the programme has brought together approximately 7,400 Estonian language friends.
The activities are carried out with the support of the European Union’s 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy and Internal Security Funds and within the framework of Project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 of Decree No. 80 of the Minister of Culture of 15 March 2023 ‘Conditions for granting support for carrying out activities supporting integration, including adaptation, in Estonian society’.