Everyone who is fluent in Estonian can support Estonian language learners in practising their language skills by joining the Estonian Language Friends Program Keelesõber as a volunteer Estonian language mentor. The Integration Foundation, which has launched the fifth season of the Program, invites all those interested to register on its website by 7 February at the latest.
‘The Language Friends programme offers Estonian language learners a much-needed opportunity to chat in Estonian with people who speak it every day. As we have more and more learners, we also need more and more mentors. This year, we would like to involve at least 1,000 volunteers,’ said Dmitri Moskovtsev, Director of the Integration Foundation.
The Estonian language mentor should talk to the learner on everyday topics at least once a week over a three-month period – from 14 February to 14 May. The mentor should communicate via mutually convenient channels, such as on Messenger or by phone. The mentor will be supported by the team of the Program, who will bring learners and mentors together and also share best practice and materials.
‘From the feedback of the previous four seasons, it is clear that the Estonian language learners gain greater courage to communicate from these conversations and start to speak Estonian more,’ said Ave Landrat, head of the Estonian Language Friends Program Keelesõber.
Over the past four seasons, the Program has attracted almost 3,800 Estonian language learners. Volunteers of all ages, from all walks of life, and from many countries have contributed as mentors.
Estonian language learners can join the Estonian Language Friends Program from 9 February by registering online. The team of the Program will bring language friends together from Valentine’s Day, 14 February. Mentors and learners can chat until 14 May.
Everyone who is ready to enrol in the Estonian Language Friends Program Keelesõber as a mentor is welcome to register on the website of the Integration Foundation www.integratsioon.ee/keelesober by 7 February at the latest. Detailed information on the Program is also available on the same website.
