The Integration Foundation is once again organising the Singing Picnic in Narva on 20 August at 5 p.m. Let us spend some fun time together listening to the concert and singing and dancing along.

The Singing Picnic is organised by the Estonian Language House of the Integration Foundation in Narva. Similar to the singing festival organised in 2021, the purpose of the picnic is to bring together the people of Ida-Viru County, introduce the culture of Narva, and learn the Estonian language by singing together, and thus celebrate the anniversary of the Republic of Estonia.

The main performer at the picnic is the tandem choir of the Estonian Language House in Narva with both Estonian and Russian native speakers singing together. They will be performing with the Paldiski mixed choir. In addition, choirs, singers, and ensembles from Ida-Viru County and elsewhere will take the stage, as well as a surprise performer at the end of the evening.

When choosing the repertoire for the picnic, the creative team of the Estonian Language House preferred songs that are easy to sing along to or already familiar to the participants. In addition, the lyrics can be seen on a large screen. The songs will be sung in Estonian, Russian, Ukrainian, and Votic.

The Singing Picnic will take place on the slope of the castle in Joaorg. There will be a trampoline park and you will also have the opportunity to ride a boat and rent bicycles. Street food will also be sold.

Bring everything you need for a picnic: everything from food to a picnic blanket. Wear clothes suitable for the weather (in case of rain, we recommend bringing a raincoat).

Entrance at 4.30 p.m. The concert starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. There is no need to buy a ticket – the event is free!

From 3 May to 24 May, you can apply for support from the Integration Foundation for cultural and sporting events in Ida-Viru County that involve people with different language and cultural backgrounds in the Estonian cultural space. 

‘Increasingly more events are taking place in Ida-Viru County, enriching both local and Estonian culture. We wish to give momentum to these developments and further support ideas that involve the people of Ida-Viru County in joint cultural and sporting events,’ said Heidy Purga, Minister of Culture. 

To be eligible for state support, cultural and sports projects must organise at least three events, involve a minimum of 1,500 participants, and take place in Ida-Viru County until 31 October 2024. This year’s budget provided by the Ministry of Culture amounts to €1,000,000. The call for applications is conducted and coordinated by the Integration Foundation. 

‘It is important that as many people as possible from Ida-Viru County discover new opportunities to participate in the cultural and sporting life of Estonia. We hope the support will help to create new traditional events in the region, which will strengthen communication and cooperation between the residents of Ida-Virumaa and other regions. The involvement of organisations active in Ida-Viru County in the organisation of events will contribute to this,’ explained Dmitri Moskovtsev, Director of the Integration Foundation. 

A local municipality or legal person can apply for a support of 25,000–200,000 euros. The Integration Foundation accepts applications from 3 May until 24 May 2023. The terms and conditions for applying for and receiving the support can be found on the website of the Integration Foundation. 

We recalled the days of the founding of the foundation with Andra Veidemann, who, as the Minister of Population, proposed forming the Integration Foundation to the government and was the chairman of its first supervisory board.

What were the circumstances under which the idea to create the foundation we know as the Integration Foundation was born?

Theory is one thing, practice another. The small office of the Minister of Population with its members and an essentially non-existent line in the national budget could not have been physically able to even start with all the activities listed in the document ‘Starting points of the Estonian national integration policy for integrating non-Estonians into the Estonian society’, which was passed with some cuts by the Riigikogu on 10 June 1998. 

Integration into a free market economy also needed investments, which did not start earning huge profits immediately. But still, based on the document regarding the starting points of integration, the Government of the Republic passed the state programme Integration in the Estonian Society 2000–2007 on 14 March 2000. Carrying out the programme required not only cooperation between the government, its institutions, and NGOs, but also money. 

Through their diplomatic representations, many European countries had sent the message that they would gladly support the integration of non-Estonians into the Estonian society primarily because it was not an easy task and the country did not have money for making changes in several areas of life. This was the reason for establishing the Foundation for the Integration of Non-Estonians by an order of the government of 31 March 1998 and assigning the Government Office to execute its founder rights on behalf of the state. Pursuant to the laws valid in the country at that time, a minister without a portfolio did not have such an authority. 

The same regulation of the government tasked the Ministry of the Interior with transferring 100,000 kroons to the Foundation for the Integration of Non-Estonians as founding expenses. Olari Taal, who was the Minister of the Interior back then, was the one to sign the documents for establishing the foundation, which were also quickly notarised. The Minister of Population was designated as the chairman of the supervisory board of the Foundation. In addition, the Government Office was tasked with transferring the 6,000,000 kroons allocated for the operational expenses of the Integration Foundation by article 91 of chapter 12 of part 21 of the State Budget for 1998 on the account of the Foundation for the Integration of Non-Estonians. This fulfilled the own funding requirement of the foundation and foreign countries were able to begin transferring their funding to the account of the foundation.

The main work in creating the Integration Foundation was done by the office of the Minister of Population, and they also helped the new head of the foundation to begin and organise the work of the foundation. 

Therefore, creating this foundation was a prerequisite for beginning to substantially organise integration in Estonia. 

How was such a proposal received?

Many of us occasionally have difficulties seeing the forest through the trees. There certainly were many Estonians and also people of other nationalities who were – and some who continue to be – of the opinion that working on integration is a distraction and a waste of time and money. This attitude was particularly exacerbated by the transition period and the heinous, often seemingly unsolvable problems among Estonians themselves: the beginning of financial inequality, which brings along inequality in many areas and also poverty and the related shame.

However, it was obvious that as long as we are unable to start functioning in a more or less unified society and people do not understand that this would benefit almost everyone, we need to continue informing and emphasise solving problems as a result of common action.

How did you imagine the foundation? 

As said before, we were aware that it is not possible to adapt any of the integration models applied in other countries to Estonia without making changes. This meant that when the priorities and goals set are deemed to comply with actual needs, it was necessary to move along step by step, combining the possibilities, political attitudes of governments, and unforeseen circumstances, but also and primarily, the political will of the parties. 

However, political will changes and we have seen and experienced plenty of this in 25 years. The position of the Ministry of Population has been included in the government and then removed again, but the Integration Foundation celebrates 25 years since the passing of its establishment, which serves to prove that there continues to be a need for such an institution.

What seems to be different now, 25 years later? 

Considering that in our rapidly changing times and circumstances, 25 years is a very long time and the Integration Foundation continues to function as an institution, there is reason to think that the path is right in principle. Already when preparing the document regarding the basics of integration and the related discussions, we agreed that there is no magic fix, no single measure to significantly speed up the integration process and take it across the finish line victoriously. Changing people’s attitudes and ways of thinking takes time, positive experiences, and tangible results. 

The war of conquest unleashed by the Russian Federation in Ukraine in February 2022 is certainly a catastrophe of such significance as to affect all integration not only in Estonia, but in all of Europe and the world. In such conditions, it is important for us to continue carrying out the democratic goals we have set for our country even if we may be tempted to give up at times.

In conclusion, I wish to thank everyone who has been involved in this multidisciplinary area throughout the years, experienced both victories and occasional losses, but have still remained true to the values and principles characteristic of a democratic and cohesive society. In my opinion, there is no alternative. Congratulations! May you have strength to move through hardships towards the stars!

On 31 March 2023, the Integration Foundation will be celebrating its quarter-century anniversary. For this reason, we ask you to share photos of your collaboration with us – the older, the better

The Integration Foundation was created on 31 March 1998 under the name Non-Estonians Integration Foundation. From the spring of 2008 to the end of 2009, the institution was called the Integration Foundation. In 2010, the institution merged with the Estonian Migration Foundation and the combined organisation became the Integration and Migration Foundation Our People (MISA). Since 15 March 2017, the foundation bears the name Integration Foundation again.

Send us any photos of your collaboration with the Integration Foundation – of joint activities, of people who have collaborated with us, and of our shared achievements. With these photos, we hope to preserve a significant part of the history of the foundation as well as of integration.

We ask you to send the photos no later than 20 March via e-mail to press@integratsioon.ee. Please include the following information with the photo files, so we could use the photos in the news channels and publications of the foundation:

• The names of the people or places on the photo and if possible, the story behind it;
• The date and location of the photo;
• The author of the photo;
• Confirmation that the Integration Foundation has permission to publish, archive, and reuse the photo. We always mention the author by name.

The size of the photos: the photos should be at least 1 MB in size, but other scans and reimaged photos are welcome too.

Thank you in advance to those who help preserve a small but important part of our Estonian history.
 

The photo below was taken at a meeting in Võru in 2017, where the topic of family studies was discussed. At the table are the President of the Republic of Estonia Kersti Kaljulaid, Urmo Kübarsepp from the Office of the President, Maivi Liiskmann, Külliki Mattus and Viia Haller - representatives of the families who hosted the young people learning Estonian, Irene Käosaar, the head of the Integration Foundation, and Jana Tondi, the head of language learning activities in the foundation. Photo by Viktor Burkivski.

On 9 January, the Integration Foundation opened an application round to support the organisation of Ukrainian-language cultural events for young Ukrainian war refugees in cooperation with Ukrainian cultural societies, Estonian NGOs, and cultural institutions, as well as the teaching of Ukrainian language and culture and the publication of children’s and youth literature in Ukrainian. Applications can be submitted until 9 February (included). 

‘Estonia offers Ukrainian war refugees free adaptation training and A1-level language learning courses, so that they can adapt quickly in Estonia and cope until they have the opportunity to return to their homeland. With the new measure, we will keep alive the traditions related to the Ukrainian language and cultural heritage of the refugees, so that when they return to their homeland, they have the opportunity to continue their studies or enrol in a university. From the point of view of integration policy, it is important that the recipients of temporary protection preserve their culture and at the same time adapt to the Estonian cultural space,’ said the Minister of Culture Piret Hartman. 

‘The purpose of the grant is to ensure that young Ukrainian war refugees up to the age of 19 in Estonia have opportunities to keep in touch with the Ukrainian language and culture through community activities. Preserving national identity is important both for the adaptation of Ukrainian youth in Estonia and for returning to their homeland,’ said Ave Härsing, Head of Cultural Diversity at the Integration Foundation.

The budget of the application round is 100,000 euros and up to 15,000 euros can be applied for in one application. Each applicant may only submit one application. The deadline for the submission of applications is 9 February 2023.
The applicant can be a legal entity registered in the Republic of Estonia or a self-employed person registered in the commercial register.

Further information about the terms and conditions of the application round can be found on the website of the Integration Foundation.

The application round is funded by the Ministry of Culture.

The application round is based on Regulation No. 21 of 16 December 2022 of the Minister of Culture ‘Conditions and procedure for providing grants to young Ukrainian war refugees up to 19 years of age to preserve the Ukrainian language and culture’.

On December 16th, the most prominent developers in the field of integration were recognised by Ministry of Culture and the Integration Foundation. Those recognised in the field of integration include Jelena Skulskaja, Marju Lauristin, OÜ Shiftworks, the Estonian National Museum, and Anu Luure and Natalja Mjalitsina, who are the driving force behind the Ukrainian school at the Tallinn Lilleküla Secondary School. 

The goal of the awards is to recognise the people who have contributed to the introduction of various cultures that are represented in Estonia; to the creation of contacts between people with various native languages; and to finding a common language among the various communities.

"It is important for our society that the people living here are part of the Estonian cultural space and that there are good relations between people of different nationalities. Russia's aggression in Ukraine opened several wounds of the past and sent a large number of war refugees to Estonia in a short period of time. The task of the field of integration is to solve these challenges, to keep society together and cohesive. I am glad that today we are recognizing people, organizations and ideas, whose activities contribute to a sense of togetherness and a safer and culturally diverse Estonia," said Piret Hartman, the Minister of Culture. 

Award winners were announced in four categories. The winners in each integration category received a reward of €1,000. This year, two prizes were awarded in the category Leading Figure in the Field of Integration. 
 
The award in the Bridgebuilder of the Year was presented to Shiftworks OÜ, directed by Helen Sildna, for organising the Tallinn-Narva Music Week festival in 2022 and the sustainable development of the Station Narva festival. Over the past five years, Shiftworks' activities have contributed to the promotion of a more cohesive society in Narva and Ida-Virumaa, i.e. revitalising cultural life, diversifying the creative economy, improving the living environment of the region and changing its image of the region; emphasising that Narva is an Estonian city and part of our country, and that its eastern border is safe. Watch the video.

The award in the Messenger of the Year category went to the Public Relations Department of the Estonian National Museum, which, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Social Welfare Board, organised a project to collect stories about helping the Ukrainian war refugees for the museum. In addition, the Estonian National Museum organises year-round courses for new immigrants, war refugees and people who live in Estonia but are not very integrated, whereby they get a first-hand insight into the history and culture of Estonia. Watch the video.

The Spark of the Year award went to Anu Luure and Natalja Mjalitsina for establishing the Ukrainian school at the Tallinn Lilleküla Secondary School. Based on their strong sense of mission, determination, persistence and patience, the school that they have created provides human warmth and a needs-based education to children who have fled the war in Ukraine. Anu Luure and Natalja Mjalitsina have been able to supplement their existing professional skills with new knowledge and, despite the unusual circumstances, have been able to create a “special” school in the good sense. Watch the video.

The Building blocks of integration category was introduced this year, and two winners were declared.

The first award in the Building blocks of integration category went to Jelena Skulskaja, who, for many years, has written about Estonian culture for Russians and introduced Russian culture in the Estonian language. Skulskaja has participated in almost 100 programmes as an Estonian-Russian cultural mediator on Estonian Television, and about 50 programmes on the radio. She has been contributing articles to newspapers since 1997, and been analysing the points of contact between and integration of Estonian and Russian culture. She has also published several books on Estonian-Russian cultural fields. Jelena continues her work on front with the unwavering strength. Watch the video.

The second winner in the Building blocks of integration category is Marju Lauristin, in whose scientific and social activities, the awareness of Estonia’s cultural diversity and long-term work promoting integration have been very important. She has been leader in this field for more than 30 years, taken care of the scientific research and follow-up in the field, and been involved in the field of integration since the 1990s. Marju Lauristin has placed great importance on the topic of integration as it relates to the general cultural and socio-political context, as targets for educational development, in scientific research and in the presentations for various future vision days. Watch the video.

A total of 23 applications were received for the competition of 2021-2022 integration projects. 

Photos from the integration award ceremony are available at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/81BXbjVXStPsJMmr9 (photographer: Sven Tupits) and video at https://youtu.be/MR81f0DnM6A (video: Videal OÜ). 

The Estonian Integration Foundation has been assigning awards for development activities in the field of integration since 1999. The fund for the annual awards in the field of integration for 2021-2022 is financed by the Ministry of Culture.

From November 21st, you can participate in the annual e-quiz of the Integration Foundation. The quiz is dedicated to the Citizen’s Day celebrated on 26 November. The quiz takes place from 21 November to 5 December on the website of the Integration Foundation and it focuses on interesting facts, events, and life in Estonia.

We invite anyone interested to test their knowledge about the topics of social life, statehood, civil rights and civic duties in Estonia. The quiz will definitely expand your knowledge, as you can search the answers from the internet. We are organising the quiz for the twentieth time already. To celebrate the anniversary, we also used the most interesting questions from previous years. Answering them requires creativity, logical thinking, and a sense of humour in addition to knowledge.

The quiz is available in Estonian, English, and Russian on the website of the Integration Foundation. The quiz has 50 questions. You have 60 minutes for completing the quiz. Ten participants with the best results will get a prize from the Integration Foundation in December.

The internet-based Citizen’s Day quiz is organised by the Integration Foundation since 2003, i.e. for the twentieth time this year. The organisation of the Citizen’s Day e-quiz is supported by the Ministry of Culture.

The Integration Foundation organized a conference 'Together or Apart: Searching for the Middle Ground' in Tallinn on 10 & 11 November. The event brought together internationally recognised experts from Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and of course Estonia. 

The day started with a performance by the tandem choir of the Estonian Language House in Narva. The conference was opened by Ambassador Kairat Abdrakhmanov, High Commissioner for National Minorities of the OSCE, and the opening speeches were given by Minister of Culture Piret Hartman and Dmitri Moskovtsev, the Director of the Integration Foundation.

The conference programme included presentations and panel discussions where experts in the field, researchers, policy makers, and representatives of civil society organisations analysed the processes of segregation, its possible dangers, and consequences.

The Ene Hion Foundation announced the recipient of its annual scholarship on stage – Natalja Mjalitsina, the founder of school for Ukrainians on Räägu Street, a branch of the Lilleküla High School, who was also one of the speakers at the conference. Her surprise was big and sincere. Congratulations and thank you for consistently shaping a civil society that takes multiculturalism into account!

The conference ended with a debate between Estonian politicians, where Jürgen Ligi, Maria Jufereva-Skuratovski, Viktoria Ladõnskaja-Kubits, Eduard Odinets, Aleksei Jašin, and Jaak Valge discussed segregation in Estonian education and proposed possible solutions to make the school system more unified. The lively debate was led by ERR journalist Jüri Nikolajev.

You can watch the presentations here,

the photos can be seen here.