Distant Socialising

Inspiration

How could we get Estonian speakers to help out non-Estonian speakers with language speaking practice.

In Estonia, approximately 30% of the population do not speak Estonian as their native language. Due to that, this is negatively affecting not only their job prospects and the level of income, but also their ability to participate in society on an equal basis with Estonian speakers.

Over the past years, interest towards learning Estonian language has risen, however due to COVID-19, all language courses have been cancelled. In addition, there is a great number of people who would like to practice their language skills and not lose what they have acquired, during the courses. There is a need for voluntary Estonian speaking people, who would help keep language learners’ speaking practice active.

All of these people are currently grounded at home. In the time of social distancing, this is an opportunity for distant socialising.

Questions to consider: Voluntary work – how to motivate volunteers to join the program? Which target groups would be interested in participating in this process? What motivates or triggers different people to participate? How to reach participants? What are the best technological means to connect people with each other? What are methodical opportunities to enhance this type of interaction?