What can Estonia learn from Nordic practices for engaging newcomers?
On 27 October 2026, a practical workshop in Tallinn will bring together examples from Finland, Sweden and Norway on how to strengthen the participation and inclusion of people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The focus will be on social innovation, social entrepreneurship and approaches that could also be adapted to the Estonian context.
How can we support the active participation of people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds in communities and society? How can we create opportunities that strengthen a sense of belonging, build new connections and support access to the labour market? And how can we know whether people themselves actually feel included?
These questions will be explored at the workshop “Nordic good practices for engaging newcomers through social innovation and social entrepreneurship”, taking place in Tallinn on 27 October 2026.
The practical workshop will introduce experiences from Finland, Sweden and Norway and create space to discuss how successful approaches could be adapted to the Estonian context.
The workshop is aimed at communities, civil society organisations, social enterprises and public sector organisations. Everyone interested is welcome to participate, while the event is especially relevant for people and organisations working with inclusion, integration, social innovation, social entrepreneurship or people with different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
Three practices from three Nordic countries
The workshop will present three different approaches showing how inclusion can be strengthened through measurement, community-based activities, language learning, mentoring and access to employment.
ESIS – measuring whether people truly feel included
Presented by Marko Nousiainen, Finland
ESIS (Experiences of Social Inclusion Scale) is a scientifically validated tool developed by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) to measure people’s own experiences of social inclusion.
Through ten statements, the scale covers dimensions such as sense of belonging, meaningful everyday activities, agency, trust and people’s opportunities to influence their own lives and living environment.
ESIS can be used both in population surveys and in the evaluation of projects and interventions aimed at promoting social inclusion. It is suitable for different target groups, has been translated into more than 20 languages, including Estonian, and has also been successfully used among people with a migrant background.
In Finland, around 200 public and third sector organisations have used ESIS for evaluation. The tool offers a practical way to move from the question “Are we involving people?” to the more important question: “Do people themselves feel that they belong, can participate and have influence?”
Botildenborg – food and urban gardening as tools for inclusion
Presented by Lena Friblick, Sweden
Based in Malmö, Botildenborg is an award-winning socially oriented organisation and meeting place that brings together food, urban farming, community activities and social innovation.
Gardening, food and shared practical activities are used to build community while also supporting employment opportunities and language learning.
One of Botildenborg’s initiatives, “Language Cultivation for Ukrainian Refugees”, combined language learning and social inclusion with practical and community-based activities for Ukrainian refugees.
Botildenborg is an inspiring example of how everyday activities such as growing food, cooking and working together can become tools for social integration, language practice and building new relationships.
Sammen om en Jobb – professional mentoring as a pathway to employment
Presented by Vilde Thoresen Nord, Norway
Sammen om en Jobb is a Norwegian non-profit initiative working to create a more inclusive labour market by helping immigrants use their skills and qualifications in relevant professional employment.
At the core of the initiative is a cross-cultural mentoring programme that connects immigrant jobseekers with mentors who have a similar educational or professional background and experience in the Norwegian labour market.
Through mentoring, networking and community activities, participants gain access to professional networks, knowledge about the Norwegian labour market and practical support with job searching.
At the same time, mentors and participating companies gain valuable experience in diversity and intercultural cooperation. The organisation has connected more than 830 jobseekers with mentors from Norwegian working life, and participants represent 88 nationalities.
Practical ideas for the Estonian context
The aim of the day is not only to hear about Nordic experiences, but also to discuss together what could be adapted and applied in Estonia.
Participants will gain practical knowledge, methods and ideas that can be used in their everyday work, as well as an opportunity to exchange experiences and build connections across sectors.
Practical information
Date: 27 October 2026
Time: 10:00–17:00
Location: Tallinn, Estonia. The exact venue will be announced soon.
Working language: English
Interpretation: Please indicate any interpretation needs in the registration form.
Participation: The number of participants is limited.
Register for the workshopContact
Sandra Paulus
National Foundation of Civil Society
Sandra.paulus@kysk.ee
+372 523 2883
www.kysk.ee/en
The workshop is organised by the National Foundation of Civil Society (KÜSK) within the Swiss–Estonian Cooperation Programme “Supporting Social Inclusion”, as part of the activity “Strengthening Civil Society through the Promotion of Social Innovation”. The activities are co-financed by Switzerland to reduce economic and social disparities within the European Union.