We support the adaptation and inclusion of refugees in their new environment through the protection of rights, community activities, mental health support, counselling and the provision of essential information.

ESF+ Language Ladder project

Estonian Refugee Council supports Ukrainian refugee youth living in Tallinn and Ida-Viru County with language learning and social integration through the Language Ladder project, funded by the European Commission and running until October 2026.

The project aims to support migrant youth through practical Estonian language learning, mental wellbeing, and integration into society. Activities involve both young people with a refugee background and local Russian-speaking youth.

Through these activities, young people gain skills that help them enter the Estonian labour market more smoothly and adapt more successfully. Participants meet companies from different sectors, learn about study opportunities in Estonia and elsewhere in Europe, and learn practical skills such as preparing a CV and applying for jobs through online job portals, and get acquainted with AI technologies, helping to improve their competitiveness in the labour market.

Young people can also take part in mental wellbeing group sessions based on the MindSpring methodology. These sessions help strengthen coping skills, allow participants to share experiences in a safe environment, and provide support in dealing with stress, adaptation, and future-related challenges.

In addition, the project offers tutoring sessions for Estonian language classes.

As part of the project, Estonian language conversation groups are organised for young people and young adults. Guided by a peer mentor, participants practise the language through everyday activities such as cooking, sports, board games and similar activities. A safe and non-judgemental environment helps young people feel more confident using Estonian, learn new words and meet new people. Tallinn University is also involved, studying changes in participants’ language use before and after taking part in the groups.

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The project is being implemented in collaboration with Tallinn University and the Polish organisation Dobra Fabryka. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Social Fund Agency. Neither the European Union nor the Granting Authority can be held responsible for them.