The decline in the sense of belonging among Estonians as well as people of other nationalities living here should not be taken lightly or seen as inevitable. A sensible balance must be struck between societal unity and societal diversity, say Marianna Makarova and Olga Sõtnik, experts on social cohesion and migration, on the Radio Kuku programme Kirillitsas Eesti (Estonia in Cyrillic).

‘The question “where does the sense of belonging begin?” is similar to asking which came first, the chicken or the egg,’ compares Marianna Makarova, Programme Manager of the International Conference of Integration at the Integration Foundation. ‘Does it start from the moment I decide to be a part of society and do something myself? Or does the sense of belonging arise from being accepted, which makes me feel welcome and cared for?’

There is no single answer to the chicken-or-egg question, and neither does the issue of the sense of belonging. However, a worrying trend has emerged: people’s assessment of their sense of belonging has declined markedly over the past few years, as data confirms. ‘In 2022, 93 per cent of Estonians responded they felt that they belonged to the Estonian society, and 74 per cent of them were absolutely certain of this, while today, the respective figures are 83 per cent and 50 per cent – in other words, only half of Estonians are certain of their sense of belonging. Among people of other ethnicities, the change has been even more drastic: the proportion of those who report even some sense of belonging has fallen from 74% to 44%, while the proportion of those who feel no sense of belonging has risen to 31%,’ says Makarova.

Is this something to worry about?

‘I would take it seriously,’ she says firmly. ‘The sense of belonging is the basis of a protective attitude towards one’s locality or country – to preserve and, if necessary, defend it. A diminished sense of belonging, however, is a silent sign of alienation. People who feel that they belong to society are also far less receptive to conflict-laden and socially divisive messages. If something goes wrong in their life, they are less likely to assume that injustice or someone’s malice is behind it. Their sense of belonging is a source of security, which helps people take responsibility for their own lives and to act constructively and collectively.’ 

‘Are you going to love Estonia?’

According to Olga Sõtnik, head of the UNHCR office in Estonia, it is clear that people’s emotions have been affected by the nearby war and the fears and divisions it has caused. ‘A sense of belonging arises when people feel that they belong together – that they have something in common that is more important than their differences. When people of different nationalities and cultures share common values, feel safe, and have the opportunity to participate in decision-making, this creates all the prerequisites for a sense of unity and belonging in the society.’

Tens of thousands of people have fled to Estonia because of the war. But do we know anything of their mindset or sense of unity? Sõtnik explains that it is important to distinguish between different categories of migration and to understand that refugees are not questioned about their attitude on arrival because they are in a forced situation.

‘Refugees are a special category of migrants who are forced to leave their homes – they leave because there is a war in their home country, or they face the death penalty due to their “wrong” political views, or they are of a different religion. When a person arrives at the border and asks for asylum, no one will ask them if they are going to love Estonia. It is not a relevant question at that moment – the important thing is to help the person, to give them a sense of security.’

Adaptation and integration will take place over time after arrival and are largely individual. ‘Some people integrate very well and adopt the rules of their new home country, others not so well,’ Sõtnik notes, adding that there are many more of those who adapt successfully, although these stories are not as prominent.

‘Unfortunately, both Estonian and foreign media tend to cover cases of failure where people cannot cope, where the new situation has proved so unacceptable that the person has committed a crime or gone down a bad path. Negative cases are highlighted, while there are tens of thousands of people who are doing well, contributing to their new communities and societies – people who are working and whose children are in school. But these stories go unreported,’ she says, describing the reasons why the image of integration of refugees may be biased.

‘It’s like with aeroplanes – if one plane crashes, it is a big scandal that’s reported everywhere, but while tens of thousands of planes fly in the sky and land safely, nobody talks about it.’

In search of balance

Building a sense of unity is one of the topics that will be addressed at the Conference of Integration on 12 November. Internationally renowned experts, academics, and practitioners from Estonia and beyond will address key integration challenges and provide examples of successful practices. Now in its 12th year, this year’s edition of the Conference of Integration will take place under the theme ‘Unity and Diversity – Searching for Balance’.

‘The current security situation requires us to be united. There is a constant need to make quick decisions. To do that, we need to be on the same page immediately, without taking time to reflect, consider, and resolve our differences. Diversity, however, is a natural part of democracy, and it is important to resolve differences through open dialogue where everyone has the right to ask questions and get answers, and to raise their voices where necessary, so that no one’s rights or needs are systematically overlooked – this is an essential source of democratic resilience,’ Makarova discusses, reflecting on the key focus of the conference. ‘And on the other hand, how do we keep healthy diversity alive? By valuing differences – it’s important to keep in mind the principles and values that unite us as a society. We all have our own opinions and views, too, but on social media, we tend to get stuck in information bubbles. So where is the place for us to come together as a society to reach consensus through dialogue? At the conference, we’re going to seek a balance between those challenges through lectures and discussions.’

Listen to the Radio Kuku programme Kirillitsas Eesti of 23 October here.

Partners of the Integration Foundation work hard every day to ensure that newly arrived immigrants living in Estonia receive the support they need and feel at home here. In this series of stories, we give them a voice to talk about the joys, challenges, and lessons learned in their work. This time, we will share the thoughts of Kirill Badikin, who leads crisis management efforts at the Estonian Red Cross and actively manages the Facebook group ‘Ukraina sõbrad Eestis’ (Friends of Ukraine in Estonia).

‘When defenders and heroes fighting in Ukraine know that their loved ones are being cared for and supported in a foreign country, it helps them focus on defending their country and people instead of worrying about their families,’ says Kirill Badikin, member of the board and crisis manager at the Estonian Red Cross and administrator of the Facebook community ‘Friends of Ukraine in Estonia’, explaining what motivates him in his work. 

Kirill's journey into the field of adaptation began in the spring of 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. ‘I felt that I couldn’t just stand by and watch,’ he recalls. Initially, he assisted the Estonian Red Cross with sorting and assembling humanitarian aid and providing psychological first aid. He then helped register refugees arriving from Ukraine at the reception centre for war refugees in Tallinn and provided them with information on how to adapt to their new surroundings. Before long, he was answering hundreds of calls on the information hotline of the Estonian Refugee Council and advising refugees in temporary accommodation facilities.

Kirill currently works as a member of the board and crisis manager at the Estonian Red Cross, and remains active as a community leader on social media. Thanks to his efforts, the ‘Friends of Ukraine in Estonia’ Facebook group has become one of the most successful channels of information and support, helping Ukrainians find their way into Estonian society.

Working for the benefit of people

People have always been at the heart of Kirill’s work. His work is primarily focused on Ukrainian war refugees, but through the Estonian Red Cross, he also reaches many other target groups, including labour and family migrants, beneficiaries of international protection, and third-country nationals.

‘People with disabilities or serious illnesses often find it more difficult to adapt,’ he points out, highlighting an area that is often overlooked. Such people need specialised support, from identifying their disability to creating a community support network that helps them cope in society. ‘People with mobility, visual, and hearing disabilities clearly need an adaptation programme tailored to their needs, as entering the labour market, i.e. ensuring their independence, is more difficult for them.’

The questions Kirill is asked are often very practical: finding work, learning Estonian, renewing Ukrainian documents, extending temporary protection or other status. However, mental health issues are also becoming increasingly prominent. ‘Unfortunately, many people have lost loved ones in the war, or have loved ones who are being held hostage or are missing – in such cases, they need someone who can help them make sense of it all and support them without judgement,’ he explains. According to him, there is likely to be an even greater need for mental health services in the future.

Creator of support networks and keeper of trust

‘My approach is based on inclusion, trust, and systematic cooperation,’ said Kirill, describing his work. ‘My goal is not to be able to answer all questions, but to direct people to experts in their field who can provide them with accurate information and support.’ A strong network of volunteers, which the Estonian Red Cross helps to develop, is an important source of support, especially in crisis situations, e.g. in the event of mass immigration.

Feedback from people and knowing that their concerns have been resolved brings me joy in my work. ‘As Ukrainians tend to communicate very emotionally, including when expressing gratitude, these expressions of appreciation often bring tears to my eyes and truly inspire me to continue helping people – you realise that what you are doing is necessary after all,’ he notes.

Stories that hurt

However, Kirill’s work is not all joy and gratitude. His most emotionally difficult moments have been meetings with former Ukrainian prisoners of war – there have been three such meetings over the past year. ‘Although I have become quite hardened in recent years, having heard the stories of so many people, it is difficult to listen to the stories of heroes who have been prisoners of war. The inhumane treatment of prisoners in Russia, the torture of people, the brutal infliction of physical injuries, and the mental destruction of people – these exposures have been the most difficult and have caused me many sleepless nights,’ he candidly admits. 

Superpower: connecting people and systems

When asked what his professional ‘superpower’ is, Kirill responds modestly but confidently: ‘I think my superpower is the ability to build trusting communities and connect people and systems – be it social media, government agencies or communities themselves.’ He is proud of having launched a large-scale information network and of having supported people on a very personal level.

‘I am proud to have been able to work with many passionate people to help people quickly and comfortably adapt to a new environment and integrate into a new society. Knowing that you have been able to support someone during a difficult period in their life and that they have truly benefited from your help brings joy and inspires you to continue your work.

The article appeared in the newsletter of cooperation partners in the field of adaptation.

At the Integration Window Autumn Seminar organized by the Tallinn Migration Centre, newcomers and experts shared experiences, knowledge, and stories that spoke of courage, growth, and adapting to a new homeland.

“What is the biggest obstacle when starting a business?” asked entrepreneur Pooja Atri Kohli, who gave an opening presentation at the seminar. Her answer surprised many in the audience: "It's taking the first step."

The entrepreneur, who moved to Estonia from India four years ago, shared practical advice on starting a business in Estonia. In her presentation, she discussed both company registration and her personal journey in a new country – how adaptation and the challenges here can turn into valuable opportunities. Some of her key points were:

• Turn your challenges into fresh business ideas.
• Estonia is a digital playground for entrepreneurs – explore it.
• Have a 90-Day goal with measurable outcomes.
• Estonia is a small market so think “niche”.
• Make it official, register your business.

Olga Vaarmann, a lawyer from the Estonian Human Rights Centre, provided information on topics related to employee rights and employment contracts. Seminar participants learned how to identify potential problems in an employment contract, what the employer's obligations are, and where to turn if these obligations are not met. In case of labor disputes or questions, she encouraged participants to contact the Labor Inspectorate (Tööinspektsioon), which offers free advice.

In addition, two women shared their personal stories of adaptation, allowing the audience to relate to their experiences and find inspiration. They also highlighted how the Tallinn Migration Centre, through their services, had supported them in starting a new life.

Finally, the Tallinn Migration Centre team introduced their new services, including translation services, trauma counseling, and trauma therapy, while also answering questions about both existing and new services.

The presentation materials from the autumn seminar held on October 11th can be found on the Tallinn Migration Centre’s website. 

Starting from September, the Integration Foundation and the Estonian Refugee Council will offer third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of international protection, the opportunity to participate in various joint activities that combine leisure, learning, and making connections. The aim is to help new Estonian residents adapt better and feel like they are a part of the local community.

Such shared activities, to which both newly arrived immigrants from third countries and local residents are invited, take place mainly in Estonia’s four largest cities – Tallinn, Tartu, Narva and Pärnu, where most people who have come to Estonia from abroad live. Local residents act as supporters and companions, helping new immigrants to make new connections and acquire the practical skills required for everyday life.

‘For example, we have already had a very meaningful day in cooperation with the Estonian Red Cross, where participants learned resuscitation and other first aid techniques,’ said Karin Trei, Specialist in Adaptation at the Integration Foundation. ‘In addition to practical training, the meeting also featured stories from Estonian Red Cross volunteers about their volunteer work and notes on how each of us can contribute to a safer and more caring community.’

Knowledge and culture go hand in hand

The meet-ups are made up of two parts: the first half of the day focuses on acquiring new skills and practical knowledge, while the second half is usually devoted to discovering Estonian history and culture. For example, participants visited the village of Palamuse, where they learned about Estonian school life and literary heritage through the works of Oskar Luts. This was followed by a tour of the Palamuse Museum and a walk around the settlement. In addition, workshops were held to share valuable advice on creating a CV and preparing for job interviews, followed by a sightseeing tour.

‘Such joint activities are very important from the point of view of integration,’ added Karin Trei. ‘When people can learn and do things together, genuine connections are formed. This is one of the best ways to help new residents of Estonia feel at home here and actively participate in community life.’

Meaningful connections, strong ties

The cooperation project between the Integration Foundation and the Estonian Refugee Council brings together people with different native languages and backgrounds, offering them the opportunity to learn from each other and form bonds that will last long after the event is over.

Third-country nationals who have taken up residence in Estonia within the last five years, including beneficiaries of international protection, are welcome to participate in these joint activities. Estonian residents who are active in their local communities and wish to get to know new immigrants and support their adaptation to life in Estonia are also welcome.

Shared activities are conducted in both English and Russian. For more detailed information about the event schedule and signing up, please contact the Estonian Refugee Council by emailing kristiina@pagulasabi.ee.

Project no. AMIF.1.02.23-0005 “Cooperation activities to increase the civic engagement of third-country nationals, including beneficiaries of international protection” is co-funded by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).