We have a new address starting next year!
The rescue workers from the Eastern Rescue Services Centre begin additional Estonian language training
“Language Click” turns online learning of Estonian language into a fun experience
We have a new address starting next year!
From 1 January 2013, the operations of Integration and Migration Foundation Our People will move to a new address at Lõõtsa 2a (8th floor), Ülemiste City business centre, Tallinn.
From the second week of December (from 10 December), we ask you to give us advance notice when you wish to meet our employees or visit our office.
The normal everyday working rhythm may be disturbed due to the moving process, so in order to avoid any inconvenience we ask you to contact the person you wish to see beforehand. All our employees’ contacts can be found at our homepage.
The new office location on the map can be viewed here!
For additional info, please contact: Meelika Hirmo, MISA Communication Manager, phone 659 9031, e-mail meelika.hirmo@meis.ee
The rescue workers from the Eastern Rescue Services Centre begin additional Estonian language training
With the help of the European Social Fund programme “Language learning development programme 2011-2013”, 23 rescue workers from the Eastern Rescue Services Centre will participate in an additional training course for the Estonian language.
The Estonian Rescue Board together with the Integration and Migration Foundation Our People (MISA) have organised labour exchanges, which were made available for the rescue workers during the European Social Fund programme “Language learning development programme 2007-2010”.
“Our goal is to support the workers of the public sector, rescue workers included, in developing their Estonian language skills to bring them in line with the requirements of the Language Act. The Language Act requires B1 level from all rescue workers,” explained Eduard Odinets, Head of MISA Lifelong Education Unit.
“Due to the regional characteristics, the everyday language for the Ida-Virumaa rescue workers is Russian. However, during some rescue operations there could be an Estonian leading the rescue work or some Estonian-speaking citizens who need help, in which case knowledge of the official language is very important,” Odinets added.
According to Karin Ärma, the chief specialist of the Rescue Board’s Personnel and Administration Department’s Administration Division, as of today there are more than 70 rescue workers who joined the service before the B1 level requirement in language proficiency came into effect and consequently require additional tuition in the Estonian language.
“These are very hard-working people and professionals in their field whose tasks are fire-fighting and rescue work, thereby protecting people, property and the environment. All rescue workers are very well trained and have proven themselves to be brave and composed during rescues,” Ärma commented.
“In the proposal for language training for the Rescue Board’s Eastern Rescue Services Centre, there are step by step descriptions on how to help the rescue workers learn the Estonian language, and we made a proposal to start with A2 level language training, knowing that the language skills of the rescue workers need improvement. If the original actions are successful, our next goal will be the B1 level,” Ärma added.
According to Ärma, in addition to a general labour shortage there is also a qualified labour shortage in Ida-Virumaa, so contributing to the development of their employees is extremely important.
According to the proposal submitted to MISA, 23 people will start the A2 level course in the Narva and Jõhvi study groups with the goal of passing the level exam in 2013. The studying of the Estonian language is planned in the form of a course that includes both classroom and practical work. Discussions on various aspects of everyday life and working issues, playful tasks, reviewing audio and video materials and children films or cartoons will all be used during the learning of the language. At the end of the training, all the participants have the opportunity to visit the Citizen’s House Museum in Rakvere and Rakvere Castle to learn more about Estonian history and culture.
For additional information, please contact: Jana Tondi, MISA Lifelong Learning Unit, Coordinator, phone 659 9069, e-mail jana.tondi@meis.ee
“Language Click” turns online learning of Estonian language into a fun experience
In co-operation with the European Social Fund and the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, a free of charge basic level (0-A2) e-course in the Estonian language, entitled “Language Click”, was developed this year for Russian speaking people living in Estonia: www.keeleklikk.ee.
Using “Language Click” makes learning the language interesting and fun as well as effective.
“Language Click” consists of about one thousand interactive exercises, a hundred funny videos and a couple of hundred cartoons that help the student progress from the first words to basic level language skills.
”Language Click” is suitable for independent language learning or as an additional aid for people who participate in Estonian language courses. The student can choose the place and time for learning; the number of students is unlimited. Users can submit their homework for teachers to check and add comment.
The Language Click e-course had more than 8,000 registered users in November.
User comments about the e-course can be read here!
For additional information, please contact: Asko Uri, Keeleklikk (Language Click), phone 55657400, e-mail asko@c-m.no
