This May and June, the Integration Foundation will host free online information sessions for all residents interested in Estonian citizenship. The sessions will provide details about free Estonian language courses and other state-supported resources available to help people on their path to citizenship. Online information sessions will be held in Russian and English, registration is open at integratsioon.ee/kodanik.
“We are doing our best to ensure that the number of Estonian citizens continues to grow. For example, nearly 60,000 residents with undetermined citizenship live in Estonia, and a recent survey shows that many of them are interested in becoming Estonian citizens. To support them – as well as others interested in citizenship – we offer a range of services, including free language training starting this autumn. We will provide more detailed information about these services during our information sessions,” said Dmitri Moskovtsev, Head of the Integration Foundation.
The first information session will take place on May 5, followed by additional sessions on May 12, May 19, and June 2. Interested individuals can participate online by selecting the time and language that best suits them.
During the sessions, participants will learn how to complete free Estonian language courses up to the required B1 level, how to take part in training on the Constitution and Citizenship legislation, how to apply for study leave compensation, how to register for exams, submit a citizenship application, and more essential information.
“In our work, we often see that for many residents applying for citizenship, the only missing piece of a puzzle is achieving the required level of language proficiency,” explained Jekaterina Gvozdeva, Head of Civic Education at the Integration Foundation. “We support them in overcoming this hurdle by helping them learn the language, build self-confidence, and ease anxieties about the exam. The language learning contract program, funded by the Ministry of the Interior, offers this opportunity.”
More information about the Integration Foundation's services and information sessions can be found at integratsioon.ee/en/kodanik, where you can also register for the information sessions.
We offer free language courses and training courses on the Constitution and the Citizenship Act for people who wish to become Estonian citizens. This year, we will be organising information sessions to introduce our services in more detail and answer questions from interested parties.
The information sessions will take place online. Choose one that suits you and sign up using the links below. The information sessions taking place in May and June are as follows:
2 June at 10.00 a.m. – in Russian – registration will open at the end of May.
If you are not yet a user of our self-service environment, please first create your profile at the following link: https://iseteenindus.integratsioon.ee/
On Saturday, 10 May, residents of Narva and other regions of Ida-Viru County are invited to a family day to discover European cultures together. Renowned people from Ida-Viru County and elsewhere, who will offer free educational and entertaining activities, help participants on the path to exciting discoveries.
The family day is organised by the Integration Foundation as part of Europe Week. The foundation has previously offered the residents and visitors of Ida-Viru County numerous opportunities for shared experiences through the unique projects of the Estonian Language House.
According to Anna Farafonova, Head of the Estonian Language House, the family day is an opportunity to celebrate how much we truly have in common. ‘Our Narva, Ida-Viru County, Estonia, and Europe are home to thousands of people and hundreds of communities. The resulting cultural diversity has become part of our daily lives. We plan to come together in the creative heart of Narva to understand our differences and similarities through shared activities and thereby become even closer – all the while having fun in a way that is common for family gatherings,’ explained Anna Farafonova.
The activities of the family day on the premises and in the outdoor area of Narva Art Residence (NART) are free of charge. From noon to 5 p.m., a range of educational and fun activities will take place to help discover European cultures with the whole family.
According to Jevgeni Timoštšuk, who is organising the family day, the event is the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends. ‘Exciting activities and unique experiences await both younger and older members of the family. For example, renowned storyteller Polina Tšerkassova will take listeners into a world of fairy tales and stories from different European peoples. The talented performer Sylvain Oulala will teach juggling and other circus secrets. Experienced freestyle footballer Eno Lints will teach spectacular football tricks that develop your dexterity and help to win the game. The whole family can also get hands-on in the community garden and sing along with the tandem choir of the Estonian Language House. The family day will culminate with a lively concert by the beloved band Curly Strings,’ added Jevgeni Timoštšuk.
The programme and performers of the family day can be found on the website of the Integration Foundation and on the social media page of the Estonian Language House. The event is one of the regional activities organised by the Estonian Language House of the Integration Foundation in Ida-Viru County within the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy measure ‘Supporting community activities that promote integration’.
Family Day
Saturday, 10 May 2025
Narva Art Residence (NART), 18 Joala Street
12.00 p.m. Start of the family day
12.00–3.00 p.m. Workshops in the outdoor area and indoors
3.00–4.00 p.m. Performance of the tandem choir in the outdoor area and singing together
4.00–5.00 p.m. Concert of the headliner Curly Strings in the outdoor stage
5.00 p.m. End of the family day
Until 16 April, legal entities as well as local governments and their organisations can apply for support for organising sporting and cultural events in Ida-Viru County that promote entrepreneurship. The grants, totalling 400,000 euros, will be allocated by the Integration Foundation in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture.
Support is available for sporting and cultural events that take place in Ida-Viru County between 17 March 2025 and 16 March 2026, are of at least regional significance, and involve more than 1,000 people. These can be both first-time and repeated events.
Many memorable events have been supported in the region over the past six years, according to Sigrid Soomlais, Deputy Secretary General for Regional Development of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture. ‘Over the years, thousands of people, both locals and visitors, have taken part in these events. All these events have also played an important role in stimulating the economy of the region – attendees consume local services and sell local products. Taken as a whole, this support contributes to the development of sport and culture as an economic sector in Ida-Viru County,’ comments Soomlais.
The boosting of entrepreneurship in Ida-Viru County and the development of sporting and cultural events in the region are part of the Ida-Viru County programme, which is being implemented by the Integration Foundation in the framework of the national regional policy programme in cooperation with the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture since 2019.
According to Dmitri Moskovtsev, Director of the Integration Foundation, sporting and cultural events have a multifaceted impact. ‘The support will contribute to the revitalisation of local life in Ida-Viru County and thus to the development of both the region and Estonia as a whole. It will strengthen the county’s links with other regions and boost cooperation between people and communities. Major events provide self-fulfilment opportunities for locals and encourage entrepreneurship. The popularity of these events will help to make the county a more attractive destination for tourists and investors alike. This will create ever better opportunities for operating in Ida-Viru County,’ he adds.
Grants ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 euros can be applied for by legal entities as well as local governments and the bodies under them. The budget of the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture has earmarked a total of 400,000 euros for grants.
Applications must be submitted via the grant processing information system of the Ministry of Culture by 11.59 p.m. on 16 April 2025 at the latest. For more information on how to participate in the call for applications, please visit the website of the Integration Foundation https://integratsioon.ee/en/competitions-estonian. Further information will also be available at the information day taking place on Teams on 3 April. To participate in the information day, please register by sending an email to iris.jarv@integratsioon.ee.
The Ministry of Culture and the Integration Foundation commissioned the Institute of Baltic Studies to conduct a study on the attitudes of residents with unspecified citizenship towards Estonian citizenship and what influences the application for citizenship.
According to Kristjan Kaldur, Programme Manager for migration and integration studies at the Institute of Baltic Studies, the interest shown by residents with unspecified citizenship in the study, which started last spring, is remarkable.
‘We have seen that 65% of residents with unspecified citizenship are ready to apply for Estonian citizenship. This desire is evenly high in all age groups surveyed. We also confirmed that there are groups of residents with unspecified citizenship with different attitudes, who face different obstacles or fears that may reduce their motivation to apply for citizenship. Some groups are motivated by a sense of home or belonging, while others are encouraged by better job opportunities. The practical solutions are also different for them,’ said Kristjan Kaldur.
According to Eda Silberg, Undersecretary for Cultural Diversity at the Ministry of Culture, the study confirmed that more attention needs to be paid in the future to fostering attitudes that support citizenship.
‘Acquiring citizenship is not the terminal station on the journey of integration, but it is an important milestone on it. Many people with unspecified citizenship feel that they are part of our society and also have a strong connection to Estonia, which is very important when it comes to integration. Acquiring citizenship is the next step – it creates a legal link between a person and a country, with rights and obligations for both parties. The recent survey highlights the attitudes and other reasons that prevent people with unspecified citizenship from taking the next step, and shows what support they need to acquire Estonian citizenship,’ said Eda Silberg.
According to the Head of the Integration Foundation, Dmitri Moskovtsev, the study provided opportunities to further develop the support offered to citizenship applicants.
‘We have nearly 60,000 residents with unspecified citizenship, a large number of whom wish to become Estonian citizens. It would be important to offer our future citizens all the support that they need on this journey and to help further strengthen their ties with Estonia. The results of the study provide valuable feedback – together with specialists in the field, we can continue to develop solutions to support the application for citizenship,’ said Dmitri Moskovtsev.
In order to find out the attitudes of residents with unspecified citizenship, the Institute of Baltic Studies conducted a broad-based questionnaire survey and focus group interviews. A total of 1,991 people took part in the survey and 28 residents participated in the seven focus groups. The study started in spring 2024 and data collection took place between October and December.
The report and summary of the study can be found below.
The results of the study confirm the following: > Residents with unspecified citizenship have strong social and cultural ties with Estonia. More than 80% say they are at least ‘quite connected’ or ‘very connected’ to their area of residence, and around 90% feel this kind of a connection to Estonia. It is also noteworthy that 70% of respondents agree with the statement that they have not acquired the citizenship of another country because Estonia is their home country.
> A significant proportion of the residents with unspecified citizenship, 65%, are ready to apply for Estonian citizenship and expect to do so within the next year (15%) or within the next two to five years (28%). Around 79% of residents with unspecified citizenship would choose Estonian citizenship if they were free to do so.
> The main motivation for applying for citizenship is to feel secure in having all the rights to live in Estonia (52%). In addition, an increased sense of belonging in Estonia (38%) and a reduction in potential discrimination (34%) are seen as important motivators. Pragmatic reasons for being a citizen of Estonia are also cited, such as improved job opportunities (32%).
> The self-identification of Estonian residents of unspecified citizenship expresses a strong attachment to Estonia: more than 60% of respondents do not choose ‘Russian’ as their identity, but rather Russian-speaking Estonian (44%) or Estonian Russian (18%).
> The main obstacle to applying for citizenship is the required level of Estonian language skill (B1) (53%). In this group, 22% of people have active Estonian language skills, 68% have passive Estonian language skills, and 7% have no Estonian language skills at all. When it comes to obstacles, language-related issue is followed by an inadequate financial situation (17%), a lack of time (16%), and being too old (13%).
> The target group of residents with unspecified citizenship is diverse and heterogeneous. Their attitudes, motivations, and obstacles to obtaining Estonian citizenship are varied. Therefore, there is no single measure or activity that would help all of them to get closer to obtaining Estonian citizenship. There are a number of people who would benefit from positive encouragement from the state, but most also need practical support.
The game ‘50 Questions to Estonian Citizenship’ is intended as a tool to help you on your way to citizenship. It was created by the Integration Foundation in 2023 as a card game on paper to support the learning of those who aim to secure the necessary knowledge to pass the citizenship exam. The game is made up of 50 questions based mainly on the Constitution and the Citizenship Act of the Republic of Estonia, but also covering topics from everyday life.
However, the newly completed online version of the game is available for everyone to broaden their horizons and enjoy a fun time.
You can choose one of three ways to play, depending on your goal:
LEARNING VERSION
The learning version allows you to move back and forth through the game, review answers, get hints for correct answers, and learn at your own pace.
GAME VERSION
This version of the game offers time-limited challenges, the possibility to play alone, with a friend, or in a team, and the chance to score points. At the end of the game, you can share your score and find out who is the smartest player.
EXAM VERSION
The exam version is the most serious of all – there is a limited time to answer each question and the results are only revealed at the end of the game. With this version, you can practise exam situations and test your knowledge.
The programme in which Nargiza participated provides comprehensive support for learning Estonian and preparing for citizenship exams. Participants have access to language courses, materials for individual study, and counselling before the exams. Particular attention is paid to ensuring a flexible approach that allows participants to combine studies with work or family duties. The courses are held twice a year – from March to June and from September to December – and their main objective is to help each participant achieve the required level of knowledge.
Nargiza decided to study Estonian, realising that it is not just a formality for living in Estonia, but an important tool for communication and resolving everyday issues. She was motivated by the desire to communicate freely in shops, cafés, or when applying for services, as well as the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit and citizenship.
Having completed the B1 level courses within the programme, Nargiza successfully passed the exams on the first try. This step allowed her to feel more confident in everyday life. She notes that she already had more opportunities at this stage: “Now, I can at least explain myself if I need something, and it makes life a lot easier.”
Despite having two children, Nargiza was able to find time to study. While her youngest child was in kindergarten, Nargiza attended classes and at home, she read simple fairy tales in Estonian to her daughter. It was great practice for her. However, as Nargiza admits, it was not always easy. Working on her own turned out to be especially difficult. However, the programme provided all the necessary materials and support, which made the learning process much easier. The courses helped to structure knowledge, and consultations before the exams gave a clear understanding of the structure and requirements.
Nargiza paid particular attention to preparing for the exam on knowledge of the Constitution and legislation. She decided to study on her own and translated the texts to better understand the material and successfully pass the test.
Studying required effort and self-discipline, but Nargiza is sure that it is possible to reach a basic level of the language even with a busy schedule. “Even if you are short on time, an hour or two a week for courses and independent work is enough to master the basics,” she shares.
The programme turned out to be useful not only for learning the language but also for opening up new opportunities. Nargiza continues her studies at the B2 level to speak more fluently and discover more career prospects. She believes that the main thing is to get started, and the available courses, flexible schedules, and free materials make the learning process convenient for everyone who wants to learn Estonian.
Nargiza advises everyone who doubts their abilities or postpones learning to try, even if it seems like there is not enough time. “Start small. A well-organised programme, the support of specialists, and your desire will definitely lead to success. And most importantly, you will feel how new horizons are gradually opening up, which previously seemed unattainable.”
Nargiza was only able to undertake this journey thanks to regular practice, perseverance, and the support of the programme. Today, she continues to move forward, inspiring with her example those who are still just starting to learn Estonian.
For future Estonian citizens
The Integration Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, supports foreigners in applying for Estonian citizenship. To this end, the foundation offers opportunities to learn Estonian at the required level (B1) for free, prepare for the citizenship exam, and provides advice on related issues. All the interested are welcome to a consultation at first: https://integratsioon.ee/en/language-training-apply-estonian-citizenship
Denis knew from childhood that his life was connected to Estonia. He was born, studied, and developed his personality here. Despite years of living with the so-called grey passport, he made the conscious decision to obtain Estonian citizenship, feeling that the time had come to finally define his place in the world.
"For a long time, I thought a grey passport was enough for me: I could travel freely to Europe, Russia, and other countries," says Denis. "But over time, I realized that I wanted to fully be part of the society I live in. Moreover, my Estonian friends constantly asked me why I was ignoring this opportunity."
His friends, in fact, played a key role in his decision. Their support helped Denis confidently navigate all the stages of preparation and exams. "One of my acquaintances said, 'Listen, you just have to do it.' I realized he was right. Sometimes, decisions come exactly at such moments."
Preparation for the exams turned out to be relatively easy for Denis. He had been hearing Estonian spoken since childhood and often practiced the language with his friends. Nevertheless, the courses ended up being useful: "Grammar lessons were the most useful to me. Even my Estonian friends often don’t know all the rules, and I figured them out with the help of wonderful teachers. Studying was not a burden, but a pleasure."
However, the path to citizenship coincided with a difficult period: the war, volunteering, and work — all of this took a lot of time. "There were moments when I wanted to give it all up," admits Denis. "But the support of friends, teachers, and the program itself helped me keep going. I felt that I was not alone."
Denis emphasizes that the learning process was not only a necessity for him but also a truly interesting experience. In the classes, he met other participants in the program, each of whom was moving toward their own goal. "It was inspiring. We shared advice and supported each other. There was an amazing atmosphere in the group where no one felt like a stranger."
After successfully passing the exams, Denis was filled with joy and pride. "When I told my friends that I had passed, they joyfully exclaimed, 'Tere tulemast!' (Welcome!). It was a big moment for me because I became a member of a community that I always felt I was part of."
Participation in the program helped Denis reaffirm his decision to stay in Estonia. "I was born here, and my heart will always stay with this country." The program not only opened up new opportunities for him but also helped him fully realize that Estonia is the place where his roots, friends, and home are.
For future Estonian citizens
The Integration Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, supports foreigners in applying for Estonian citizenship. To this end, the foundation offers opportunities to learn Estonian at the required level (B1) for free, prepare for the citizenship exam, and provides advice on related issues. All the interested are welcome to a consultation at first: https://integratsioon.ee/en/language-training-apply-estonian-citizenship
For Fareed Ud Din Taimoor, the path to Estonian citizenship was not just a legal process—it was a deeply personal and transformative journey. His story began in 2015, inspired by friends who had studied at TalTech University. Watching their achievements on social media, he envisioned a similar future for himself. The idea of receiving high-quality, free education in Europe seemed like a dream. Encouraged by a close friend, Taimoor decided to take the leap and move to Estonia.
Arriving as a young student from Pakistan, Taimoor faced a number of challenges from the start. Adapting to a new culture, living away from family, and navigating a language so different from his own—all of it was daunting. But he approached these obstacles with determination, knowing that this opportunity could change his life.
The journey to citizenship required Taimoor to master the Estonian language and pass a series of exams. Language learning was particularly difficult at first. “Estonian was nothing like any language I had encountered before,” Taimoor shared.
This is where the citizenship preparation program provided critical support. Taimoor had access to well-structured language courses and study materials that guided him step by step. The flexibility of the program allowed him to learn at his own pace, making the process less overwhelming. In addition to the language courses, the program offered guidance on preparing for exams and integrating into Estonian society.
What made the biggest difference for Taimoor was the personalized approach. The program’s mentors and instructors were always available to answer questions, clarify doubts, and offer encouragement. “Without their support, it would have been much harder to stay on track,” he admits.
The program, designed for individuals seeking Estonian citizenship, runs twice a year, from March to June and from September to December. It offers a hybrid format with both in-person classes (usually held in Narva) and online sessions. Participants receive not only language instruction but also training in understanding Estonian laws and culture. The structured yet flexible nature of the program helps individuals balance their studies with work and personal commitments.
There were moments when the journey felt overwhelming. Balancing work, studies, and preparation for exams was not easy. But Taimoor kept reminding himself why he started this journey. The program’s structured approach and resources kept him motivated, as did the realization that every step forward was bringing him closer to his goal.
The program’s community aspect was also a source of motivation. Being surrounded by others who were on the same journey created a sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement. Taimoor found inspiration in their stories and successes, which fueled his determination to push through even during tough times.
When Taimoor finally received his Estonian passport, it was a moment of immense pride and relief. It was not just a document—it symbolized years of hard work, perseverance, and personal growth. Citizenship brought with it a sense of belonging and the freedom to pursue dreams without barriers.
For Taimoor, the benefits of Estonian citizenship are clear. It has opened doors to professional opportunities and secured his future in a country he now calls home. More importantly, it has strengthened his connection to Estonia, a country that welcomed him and gave him the chance to grow.
To those considering this journey, Taimoor offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t let fear or doubt stop you. The process is challenging, but it’s worth it. Take the first step, stay consistent, and believe in yourself.” He also emphasizes the importance of utilizing the program’s resources. “The support they provide is invaluable—it makes the entire process much more manageable.”
Fareed’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of support systems. It’s a reminder that even the most daunting journeys can lead to incredible achievements, as long as one is willing to take the first step and never give up.
For future Estonian citizens
The Integration Foundation, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, supports foreigners in applying for Estonian citizenship. To this end, the foundation offers opportunities to learn Estonian at the required level (B1) for free, prepare for the citizenship exam, and provides advice on related issues. All the interested are welcome to a consultation at first: https://integratsioon.ee/en/language-training-apply-estonian-citizenship
Today, on 10 December, the Ministry of Culture and the Integration Foundation announced the winners of the integration awards. The awards for supporting the development of integration were given to choir conductor Hirvo Surva, singer Alika Milova, Anne Suislep, Education Manager at the Foundation of Haapsalu and Läänemaa Museums, Aleksandr Dusman, Head of Ida-Viru Round Table of National Minorities, and the editorial staff of the ETV+ TV channel.
This year, the Integration Foundation and the Ministry of Culture granted awards to people and organisations supporting the development of integration for the twenty-fifth time. In line with the Year of Cultural Diversity, a special prize dedicated to the thematic year was added to the four existing categories.
Minister of Culture Heidy Purga believes that the integration awards are a valuable tradition. ‘Estonia, the country we all share, is diverse and home to different cultures, languages, and traditions. Through integration, we create a more cohesive society where everyone can play a part in shaping our common future,’ said Heidy Purga, recognising the winners of the award.
The winners of the integration awards were selected by a committee of experts of the field from among fifty candidates submitted by Estonian people and organisations in the course of the public competition this year.
The jury awarded the Bridge Builder of the Year title to choirmaster Hirvo Surva, the Spark of the Year title to Estonian singer Alika Milova, the Messenger of the Year title to the editorial staff of ETV+, the Building Blocks of Integration award to Aleksandr Dusman, Head of Ida-Viru Round Table of National Minorities, and the Special Prize of the Year of Cultural Diversity to Anne Suislep, Education Manager at the Foundation of Haapsalu and Läänemaa Museums. In addition to a commendation and a certificate, each winner of the integration prize will also receive a prize of 1,000 euros.
According to Dmitri Moskovtsev, Head of the Integration Foundation, consistent activities and new initiatives are both important in the field of integration. ‘Both the winners and the candidates have valuable experiences and inspiring stories to share and by taking lessons from them, we can build on our work together for a more cohesive society,’ said Dmitri Moskovtsev at the presentation of the integration awards.
All the people and organisations in Estonia will get a new opportunity to submit candidates for the integration award in September next year.
WINNERS OF THE INTEGRATION AWARDS
Bridgebuilder of the Year – HIRVO SURVA
The ‘Bridge Builder of the Year’ category recognises cooperation projects aimed at Estonians and residents with a first language other than Estonian.
As the artistic director of the Estonian Music Council’s spectacular ViruLaul24 music project, Hirvo Surva helped to unite young people from Ida-Viru County in joint cultural activities. Within the framework of the project, a joint choir of students from schools in Ida-Viru County and Tallinn was formed, preparing and performing choral songs together with the Narva City Symphony Orchestra at concerts in Kohtla-Järve, Narva, and Toila dedicated to the Day of Restoration of Independence 2024. Hirvo Surva is the author and organiser of many unifying initiatives, but this year’s ViruLaul24 deeply touched all participants and attendees (including through the media). With this project, he really brought the youth of Ida-Viru County closer to Estonian culture, music, and language, but also Estonian youth to our diverse cultural life.
Spark of the Year – ALIKA MILOVA
The ‘Spark of the Year’ category recognises individuals or organisations for their outstanding work in the field of integration.
Alika Milova is an Estonian singer who has successfully participated in many singing competitions and represented Estonia at Eurovision 2023. Alika is a young, talented, and popular singer who is proud of her Narva and Ida-Viru origins. Supporting Alika brought Estonia together as one united heart in the lead-up to Eurovision. Everybody knows that Alika represented Estonia at Eurovision, but her activities following Eurovision are probably less well known. She takes part in music events and projects that bring together different communities. For example, several collaborative projects with different singers or a concert programme of songs related to the heritage of her ancestors in collaboration with Arno Tamm, which was performed at the Folk Music Festival. With her contagiously bright personality, Alika breaks down preconceptions and sparks inspiration to strive for dreams together.
Messenger of the Year – for the ETV+ PROGRAMME KEELEVESKI
The Messenger of the Year category recognises the promotion of integration through the media.
The TV programme Keeleveski, consisting of twelve episodes, has broadened opportunities for the viewers of ETV+ to explore Estonian language and culture. The series is a wonderful example of how effective it can be to combine educational content with entertainment. With a wealth of examples, comparisons, experiences and suggestions, it has helped to stimulate interest in language learning, support the development of language skills, and break down the myths that hinder language learning. At the same time, meaningful and topical themes have allowed viewers to develop their language skills to a level that is needed for everyday life. The series delivers a powerful message, shared by individuals who have experienced the journey themselves, emphasising belief in a shared linguistic and cultural space in Estonia.
Building Blocks of Integration – ALEKSANDR DUSMAN
The Building Blocks of Integration category recognises raising awareness of Estonia’s cultural diversity and long-term targeted activities promoting integration.
Aleksandr Dusman is the long-standing head of Ida-Viru Round Table of National Minorities, established under the Ministry of Culture. Today, the round table brings together thirty-seven different societies from ten ethnic groups and almost all municipalities in Ida-Viru County. Aleksandr is also the head of the umbrella organisation of national minority cultural societies – Ida-Virumaa Integration Centre – which unites more than thirty national minority cultural societies. Aleksandr celebrated his eightieth birthday this year. He has been working in the field of integration for decades. The list of projects organised under his leadership includes several long-standing traditions, one example being the Loomepada festival. Aleksandr Dusman is a ‘peacekeeper’ for the multi-ethnic community of Ida-Viru County. He has a wonderful ability to keep the regional round table together and to inspire cooperation even in the most difficult of times (e.g. Covid19, during the war in Ukraine), with the ability to compromise and to find solutions for joint action between different ethnic groups. He is also the author and organiser of ten international conferences promoting tolerance and conflict prevention in Ida-Viru County. He has presented Estonian civil society and integration processes at various international conferences, made presentations, and kept the integration needs of the region on the agenda of the central government. Aleksandr is an excellent idea generator, highly conscientious, consistent in his actions, and certainly not one to give up. He is very open to new things, applies new knowledge in his work, and shares it with others.
Special Award for the Cultural Diversity Year – ANNE SUISLEP
The ‘Special Award for the Year of Cultural Diversity’ category recognises valuing and promoting the cultural diversity of Estonia.
Anne Suislep is the Education Manager of Ilon’s Wonderland, operating under the Foundation of Haapsalu and Läänemaa Museums, and the director of the drama class at the Youth Work Centre in Haapsalu. Anne is innovative in her ventures, finds new challenges, and is consistent in her work. She has the ability to motivate the people around her and to do great things for young people and the community in a small county. Anne has done exactly what the Year of Cultural Diversity was set up to do – bring together families from the Haapsalu community with families who have come from elsewhere, demonstrating to both parties the cultural diversity of the community. This gave people a chance to meet other cultures, further enriched by coverage in the local newspaper. The children and the child-friendly environment (Ilon’s Wonderland) made it easier to interact with each other. Listening to the guests revealed that even in a small town, different people and cultural spheres can meet and enrich the local life. As a second initiative, Anne wrote and directed the production Ingerimaale with the Haapsalu Youth Theatre, during which they explored their origins together with young Ingrians and established a connection with their roots.
