The ‘Eesti amps’ series of collaborative events to support Estonian language learning will take place in 2025 bringing together adults learning Estonian and volunteer language tutors. The aim of the series is to provide immediate and varied language practice opportunities through which participants will discover Estonian culture, history and everyday life.
‘Eesti amps’ is for adults who do not yet speak Estonian well enough, but want to use it with confidence and apply their language skills in everyday life. Meetings take place in a creative, supportive and friendly environment, where language use comes naturally – through action, communication and discussion. There will be a total of 15 participants in each group: Ten Estonian language learners and five Estonian language volunteers to interact with the participants and support their language development along with communication skills.
All cooperation activities are based on the principle that language is best learned by working together. Each meeting is accompanied by practical worksheets, diary assignments and volunteer Estonian speakers to support communication.
Each series of activities consists of ten meetings that combine Estonian language, culture, history, literature and everyday life. Together with language learners, in each group will also be volunteer language tutors (native Estonian speakers or at least with a C1 language level), who will encourage language practice and support communication.
‘Eesti amps’ offers small but meaningful pieces of Estonian culture and language that will help language users feel as a part of our common history.
Vabamu: stories of freedom, resistance and democracy
In Tallinn, collaborative activities will be carried out by the Vabamu Museum, where meetings focus on Estonia’s recent history, the functioning of democracy, misinformation, the meaning of freedom and human rights. The topics are explored through museum lessons, discussions, playful exercises and practical work.
Participants will discover personal stories, visit exhibitions and take part in creative activities. Each meeting uses methodologies that support active participation and the confident use of Estonian language.
Jõhvi Central Library: Estonian cultural image in Ida-Viru County
In Ida-Viru County, the Jõhvi Central Library offers cooperation activities, where language learning is integrated with visual arts, literature, music, heritage and theatre. Each lesson focuses on one of Estonia’s cultural phenomena, such as Estonian sculpture, folk clothing or cinematography.
Participants will create their own mini sculptures, learn to play folk music instruments, direct short films and learn about different aspects of Estonian cultural history. Each meeting is practical and supports active communication, creativity and linguistic expression.
Rakvere Library: environment, movement and community
In Lääne-Viru County, Rakvere Library is hosting ‘Eesti amps’ meetings, focusing on community, nature awareness and heritage culture. Activities will take place both in the city and in nature: participants will visit a waste recovery exhibition, take part in a dance celebration, a medicinal plants workshop, a ceramics club, nature walks as well as cultural and historical tours. The series will end with a film night and a cooking session, which will give an opportunity to reach conclusions and share experiences.
The activities are funded by sub-activity No. 3.4.4.5 ‘Launching cooperation and language camps for adults and other activities supporting language learning and the use of Estonian’ within the framework of project No. 2021-2027.4.07.23-0006 ‘Activities supporting Estonian language learning and civic education’ financed by the European Social Fund+.
